2014/2015 Malaysian Tax and Business Booklet PP 13148/07/2013 (032730) www.pwc.com/my
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2014/2015 Malaysian Tax and Business Booklet PP 13148/07/2013 (032730) www.pwc.com/my
2014/2015 Malaysian Tax and Business Booklet PP 13148/07/2013 (032730) www.pwc.com/my 2014/2015 MALAYSIAN TAX AND BUSINESS BOOKLET A quick reference guide outlining Malaysian tax and other business information The information provided in this booklet is based on taxation laws and other legislation, as well as current practices, including legislative proposals and measures contained in the 2015 Malaysian Budget announced on 10 October 2014 This booklet incorporates in coloured italics the 2015 Malaysian Budget proposals announced on 10 October 2014. These proposals will not become law until their enactment which is expected to be in early 2015 and may be amended in the course of its passage through Parliament. This booklet also incorporates in coloured italics some other proposals announced recently which have not been enacted to date. This booklet is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter and should not be regarded as a basis for ascertaining the liability to tax in specific circumstances. No responsibility for loss to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of any material in this publication can be accepted by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Recipients should not act on the basis of this publication without seeking professional advice. © 2014 PricewaterhouseCoopers. All rights reserved. "PricewaterhouseCoopers" and/or "PwC" refers to the individual members of the PricewaterhouseCoopers organisation in Malaysia, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details. Printed in Malaysia by SP-Muda Printing Services Sdn. Bhd. 83, Jalan KIP 9, Taman Perindustrian KIP Kepong, 52200 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 03-6273 5893, 03-6274 2463 CONTENTS TAX INFORMATION INCOME TAX Scope of taxation Basis of assessment Self-assessment Public rulings and advance rulings 1 1 1 1 2 PERSONAL INCOME TAX Tax residence status of individuals Rates of tax Personal reliefs for resident individuals Tax rebates for resident individuals 2 2 3 4 EMPLOYMENT INCOME Derivation Exemption (short-term employees) Employees of regional operations Types of employment income and valuation Perquisites Benefits-in-kind (BIK) Collection of tax 6 6 6 6 6 7 8 10 CORPORATE INCOME TAX Residence status Income tax rates Collection of tax Profit distribution Losses Group relief Tax deductions Transfer pricing Thin capitalisation Loan / advances to director 10 10 10 11 12 12 12 12 13 13 13 CAPITAL ALLOWANCES Industrial buildings Plant and machinery Accelerated capital allowances Additional capital allowances 13 13 14 15 16 5 Disposals Controlled transfers Disposals within 2 years Unabsorbed capital allowances 17 17 17 17 AGRICULTURE ALLOWANCES 17 DOUBLE TAX TREATIES AND WITHHOLDING TAX RATES 18 TAX INCENTIVES 20 A. Manufacturing / Services / Trading B. Biotechnology C. Education D. Financial Services E. Green Incentives F. Healthcare & Wellness G. Information and Communication Technology H. Other Incentives I. Refinery & Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) J. Regional Operations K. Research and Development (R&D) L. Logistic M. Special Economic Corridors N. Tourism, Hotels and Exhibitions O. Further / Double Deduction 20 INCOME EXEMPT FROM TAX 42 REAL PROPERTY GAINS TAX (RPGT) 45 Scope Withholding of RPGT Exemptions 45 45 46 23 24 25 30 31 33 33 35 35 37 38 39 39 40 CONTENTS SERVICE TAX Basis of taxation Rate of tax Taxable person / licensing Taxable persons and taxable services Payment of service tax / taxable period Refund of service tax on doubtful debts or “bad debts” 47 47 47 47 47 49 50 FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS 55 EXPORT DUTIES 56 EXCISE DUTIES Basis of taxation Rates of duties Excise licensing Payment of duty Exports 56 56 56 56 57 57 STAMP DUTY Basis of taxation Rates of duty Stamping Penalty Relief / Exemption / Remission from stamp duty 57 57 57 58 59 59 SALES TAX Basis of taxation Value of goods Rates of tax Taxable goods Goods exempted Licensing Exemption from licensing Tax-free raw material Drawback Payment of sales tax / taxable period Refund of sales tax on doubtful debts or “bad debts” 50 50 50 50 50 51 51 51 52 52 52 IMPORT DUTIES Rates of duties Tariff rate quota Value of goods Exemptions Prohibition of imports 52 52 53 53 53 53 GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (GST) Effective date and rate of tax Scope of taxation Taxable person and registration Type of supplies 54 EMPLOYMENT GUIDELINES Guidelines for employment of expatriates Employment of foreign workers 69 EMPLOYEES’ SOCIAL SECURITY FUND Scope of SOCSO 70 Rates of contributions 70 OTHER BUSINESS INFORMATION ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND DIRECTIONS 62 FINANCIAL REPORTING 65 EMPLOYEES’ PROVIDENT FUND (EPF) Scope of EPF Rates of contributions Members' accounts Withdrawals 66 52 54 54 54 54 LICENSED MANUFACTURING WAREHOUSE 55 FREE ZONE 55 66 66 67 67 68 68 70 CONTENTS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT FUND (HRDF) Scope of HRDF Rates of contribution Financial assistance 72 72 73 73 FOREIGN AND BUMIPUTRA EQUITY GUIDELINES 74 EXCHANGE CONTROL Remittances abroad Investment in foreign currency assets by a resident Purchase of immoveable properties by non-residents Borrowings in foreign currency by a resident Borrowings in Ringgit by a resident Foreign currency accounts Non-resident’s accounts Import and export of currency Dealing with Israel and the currency of Israel Exports from Malaysia Issuance of securities Labuan entities Special status companies 74 75 76 IMPORTANT FILING / FURNISHING DATES 76 76 77 77 77 78 78 78 78 78 78 79 INCOME TAX INCOME TAX Scope of taxation Income tax in Malaysia is imposed on income accruing in or derived from Malaysia except for income of a resident company carrying on a business of air/sea transport, banking or insurance, which is assessable on a world income scope. Income attributable to a Labuan business activity of the branch or subsidiary of a Malaysian bank in Labuan is subject to tax under the Labuan Business Activity Tax Act 1990 instead of the Income Tax Act 1967. With effect from (w.e.f) year of assessment (YA) 2008, a Labuan entity can make an irrevocable election to be taxed under the Income Tax Act 1967 in respect of its Labuan business activity. Basis of assessment Income is assessed on a current year basis. The YA is the year coinciding with the calendar year, for example, the YA 2015 is the year ending 31 December 2015. The basis period for a company, co-operative or trust body is normally the financial year ending in that particular YA. For example the basis period for the YA 2015 for a company which closes its accounts on 30 June 2015 is the financial year ending 30 June 2015. All income of persons other than a company, co-operative or trust body, are assessed on a calendar year basis. Self-assessment Under the Self-Assessment System (SAS), the responsibility for correctly assessing a person’s tax liability is transferred from the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) to the taxpayer. On the submission of the income tax return, an assessment is deemed to have been made on the taxpayer. The return is deemed to be a notice of assessment, which is deemed to be served on the taxpayer on the day that it is submitted. Refer to the section “Important Filing / Furnishing Dates” for deadlines on submission of income tax return for different taxpayers. The IRB monitors taxpayers’ compliance with the law through tax audits. 1 PERSONAL INCOME TAX Public rulings and advance rulings To facilitate compliance with the SAS, the Director General of Inland Revenue (DGIR) is empowered by provisions in the Income Tax Act 1967 to issue public rulings and advance rulings. Public rulings are binding on the DGIR. All the public rulings can be downloaded from the IRB’s website at www.hasil.gov.my A taxpayer may request for an advance ruling from the DGIR. The DGIR may make an advance ruling on how any provision of the law applies to an arrangement described in the application. An advance ruling is only applicable to the person making the application. PERSONAL INCOME TAX Tax residence status of individuals An individual is regarded as tax resident if he meets any of the following conditions, i.e. if he is: in Malaysia for at least 182 days in a calendar year; in Malaysia for a period of less than 182 days during the year (“shorter period”) but that period is linked to a period of physical presence of 182 or more “consecutive” days in the following or preceding year (“longer period”). Temporary absences from Malaysia for certain specified reasons during the shorter or longer period are counted as part of the consecutive days, provided that the individual is in Malaysia before and after each temporary absence; in Malaysia for 90 days or more during the year and, in any 3 of the 4 immediately preceding years, he was in Malaysia for at least 90 days or was resident in Malaysia; or resident for the year immediately following that year and for each of the 3 immediately preceding years. 2 PERSONAL INCOME TAX Rates of tax Resident individuals On the first On the next Chargeable Income RM 5,000 15,000 On the first On the next On the first On the next On the first On the next On the first On the next On the first On the next On the first On the next On the first Above 20,000 15,000 35,000 15,000 50,000 20,000 70,000 30,000 100,000 150,000 250,000 150,000 400,000 400,000 Rate % 2 YA 2014 Tax Payable RM 0 300 300 900 1,200 1,650 2,850 3,800 6,650 7,200 13,850 39,000 52,850 39,000 91,850 6 11 19 24 26 26 Rate % 1 5 10 16 21 24 24.5 YA 2015* Tax Payable RM 0 150 150 750 900 1,500 2,400 3,200 5,600 6,300 11,900 36,000 47,900 36,750 84,650 25 26 * W.e.f YA 2015, two new chargeable bands will be introduced and tax rates will be reduced by 1% to 3%. A qualified person (defined) who is a knowledge worker residing in Iskandar Malaysia is taxed at the rate of 15% on income from an employment with a designated company engaged in a qualified activity in that specified region. The employment must have commenced on or after 24 October 2009 but not later than 31 December 2015. An approved individual under the Returning Expert Programme who is a resident is taxed at the rate of 15% on income in respect of having or exercising employment with a person in Malaysia for 5 consecutive years of assessment (YAs). Non-resident individuals Types of income Public Entertainer’s professional income Interest Royalty 3 YA 2015 Rate (%) 15 15 10 PERSONAL INCOME TAX Types of income YA 2015 Rate (%) Special classes of income: rental of moveable property technical or management services fees* payment for services rendered in connection with use of property or installation or operation of any plant, machinery or other apparatus purchased from a non-resident person Dividends (single tier) Business and employment income Income other than the above 10 Exempt 26** 10 * Only fees for technical or management services rendered in Malaysia are liable to tax. ** Reduced to 25% w.e.f YA 2015. Personal reliefs for resident individuals Types of relief Self Disabled individual - additional relief for self Spouse Disabled spouse - additional spouse relief Child per child (below 18 years old) per child (over 18 years old) receiving full-time instruction of higher education in respect of: - diploma level and above in Malaysia; or - degree level and above outside Malaysia per child (over 18 years old) serving under article of indentures in a trade or profession per physically / mentally disabled child physically / mentally disabled child (over 18 years of age) receiving full-time instruction at institution of higher education or serving under articles or indentures in a trade or profession Life insurance premiums and EPF contributions Private Retirement Scheme contributions and Deferred annuity scheme premium (YA 2012 to YA 2021) Insurance premiums for education or medical benefits Expenses on medical treatment, special needs or carer expenses for parents (evidenced by medical certification) 4 YA 2015 RM 9,000 6,000 3,000 3,500 1,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 12,000 6,000* 3,000* 3,000* 5,000* PERSONAL INCOME TAX Types of relief Medical expenses for self, spouse or child suffering from a serious disease (including fees of up to RM500 incurred by self, spouse or child for complete medical examination) Purchase of sports equipment Fee expended for any course of study up to tertiary level other than a degree at Masters or Doctorate level, undertaken for the purpose of acquiring law, accounting, Islamic financing, technical, vocational, industrial, scientific or technological skills or qualifications or any course of study for a degree at Masters or Doctorate level undertaken for the purpose of acquiring any skill or qualification Purchase of supporting equipment for self (if a disabled person) or for disabled spouse, child or parent Cost incurred for the purchase of books, journals, magazines and other similar publications for the purpose of enhancing knowledge Relief for purchase of personal computer (once every 3 years) Deposit for child into the Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional account established under Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional Act 1997 (until YA 2017) Relief on housing loan interest for the purchase of one unit residential property where the Sale and Purchase Agreement is executed between 10 March 2009 and 31 December 2010 (given for 3 consecutive years) YA 2015 RM 6,000* 300* 5,000* 6,000* 1,000* 3,000* 6,000* 10,000* * Maximum relief Tax rebates for resident individuals Individual’s chargeable income does not exceed RM35,000 If husband and wife are separately assessed and each chargeable income does not exceed RM35,000 If husband and wife are jointly assessed and the joint chargeable income does not exceed RM35,000 Rebate for Zakat, Fitrah or other Islamic religious dues paid Rebate (RM) 400 400 (each) 800 Actual amount expended The above rebate granted is deducted from tax charged and any excess is not refundable. 5 EMPLOYMENT INCOME EMPLOYMENT INCOME Derivation Employment income is regarded as derived from Malaysia and subject to Malaysian tax where the employee: exercises an employment in Malaysia; is on paid leave which is attributable to the exercise of an employment in Malaysia; performs duties outside Malaysia which are incidental to the exercise of an employment in Malaysia; is a director of a company resident in Malaysia; or is employed to work on board an aircraft or ship operated by a person who is resident in Malaysia. Exemption (short-term employees) Income of a non-resident from an employment in Malaysia is exempt: if the aggregate of the period or periods of employment in Malaysia does not exceed 60 days in a calendar year; or where the total period of employment which overlaps 2 calendar years does not exceed 60 days. Employees of regional operations Non-Malaysian citizens who are based in Malaysia working in Operational Headquarter (OHQ) or Regional Office (RO), or International Procurement Centre (IPC), or Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) or Treasury Management Centre (TMC) status companies would be taxable on employment income attributable to the number of days they exercise employment in Malaysia. Types of employment income and valuation Type of employment income (a) Cash remuneration, e.g. salary, bonus, allowances/perquisites Taxable Value to employee Total amount paid by employer. Certain allowances/perquisites are exempted from tax. Please refer to “Perquisites” below. Based on formula or prescribed value method. Certain benefits are exempted from tax. Please refer to “Benefits-in-kind” below. (b) Benefits-in-kind, e.g. motorcar and petrol, driver, gardener, etc 6 EMPLOYMENT INCOME Type of employment income (c) Housing Accommodation (unfurnished) - employee or service director Taxable Value to employee Lower of 30% of cash remuneration * or defined value of accommodation Defined value of accommodation - directors of controlled companies Hotel accommodation for employee or service director (d) Withdrawal from unapproved pension fund (e) Compensation for loss of employment 3% of cash remuneration * Employer’s contribution Total amount paid by employer. Exemption is available under specified conditions. * Cash remuneration does not include equity-based income. Perquisites The IRB issued Public Ruling 2/2013 for the valuation of perquisites given to employees. Below are some examples of perquisites: Perquisites to employee Taxable Value to employee Petrol card/petrol or travel allowances and toll rates Total amount paid by employer. Exemption available up to RM6,000 per annum if the allowances/perquisites are for official duties** Total amount paid by employer. Exemption available up to RM2,400 per annum** Fully exempted** Fully exempted** Loans totalling RM300,000 for housing/passenger motor vehicles and education** Total amount paid by employer Total amount paid by employer. Exemption available up to RM2,000 per annum for the following types of award:** long service (more than 10 years of employment with the same employer) past achievement service excellence, innovation, or productivity award Childcare subsidies /allowances Parking fees/allowances Meal allowances Interest on loan subsidies Income tax borne by employer Award ** Exemptions are not extended to directors of controlled companies, sole proprietors and partnerships. 7 EMPLOYMENT INCOME Benefits-in-kind (BIK) The IRB has issued Public Ruling 3/2013 for the valuation of benefits-in-kind provided to employees. The value of BIK provided for an employee may be determined by either of the following methods: formula method, or prescribed value method Under the formula method, annual value of BIK provided to an employee is computed using the following formula: Cost of the asset provided as a benefit/amenity Prescribed life span of the asset = Annual value The prescribed life span for various benefits are as follows: Items Prescribed average life span Years 8 Motorcar Furnishings: Air-conditioner Curtains & carpets Furniture Refrigerator Sewing machine Kitchen utensils/equipment Entertainment and recreation: Organ Piano Stereo set, TV, video recorder, CD/DVD player Swimming pool (detachable), sauna Miscellaneous 8 8 5 15 10 15 6 10 20 7 15 5 EMPLOYMENT INCOME Under the prescribed value method the following are some values of BIK prescribed in the Ruling: Value per year Household furnishings, apparatus & appliances a) Semi-furnished with furniture in the lounge, dining room and bedroom b) Semi-furnished as above and with airconditioners or carpets or curtains c) Fully furnished d) Service charges and other bills (e.g. water, electricity) Prescribed value of other benefits - Driver - Domestic servants - Gardeners - Corporate recreational club membership RM840 RM1,680 RM3,360 Charges and bills paid by employer RM7,200 per driver RM4,800 per servant RM3,600 per gardener Membership subscription paid by Employer The following are some exemptions for certain BIK:** Exemption Leave passages Employers’ goods provided free or at a discount Employers’ own services provided full or at a discount Maternity expenses & traditional medicines Telephone (including mobile telephone), telephone bills, pager, personal data assistant (PDA) and broadband subscription (i) one overseas leave passage up to a maximum of RM3,000 for fares only; or (ii) 3 local leave passages including fares, meals and accommodation Exemption is available up to RM1,000 per annum. Any benefit exceeding RM1,000 will be subject to tax Fully exempted Fully exempted Fully exempted, limited to one unit for each asset ** Exemptions are not extended to directors of controlled companies, sole proprietors and partnerships. 9 CORPORATE INCOME TAX Standard rates for motorcar and fuel provided: Cost of car (when new) RM Up to 50,000 50,001 – 75,000 75,001 – 100,000 100,001 – 150,000 150,001 – 200,000 200,001 – 250,000 250,001 – 350,000 350,001 – 500,000 500,001 and above Annual prescribed benefit of motorcar RM 1,200 2,400 3,600 5,000 7,000 9,000 15,000 21,250 25,000 Annual prescribed benefit of fuel** RM 600 900 1,200 1,500 1,800 2,100 2,400 2,700 3,000 ** Employee is given a choice to determine fuel benefit based on annual prescribed rates or exemption available for petrol usage. Collection of tax Taxes are collected from employees through compulsory monthly deductions from remuneration under the Monthly Tax Deduction (MTD) system. Individuals receiving non-employment income are required to pay by compulsory bi-monthly instalments. CORPORATE INCOME TAX Residence status A company is tax resident in Malaysia if its management and control is exercised in Malaysia. Management and control is normally considered to be exercised at the place where directors’ meetings are held concerning management and control of the company. Income tax rates Resident companies are taxed at the rate of 25% (reduced to 24% w.e.f YA 2016) while those with paid-up capital of RM2.5 million or less* are taxed at the following scale rates: 10 CORPORATE INCOME TAX YA 2014 & 2015 20% 25% Chargeable Income The first RM500,000 In excess of RM500,000 YA 2016 19% 24% * The companies must not be part of a group of companies where any of their related companies have a paid-up capital of more than RM2.5 million. Non-resident companies are taxed at the following rates: Type of income Business income Royalties Rental of moveable properties Technical or management service fees Interest Dividends Other income YA 2015 25% # 10% 10% 10%** 15%*** Exempt**** 10% * Where the recipient is resident in a country which has a double tax treaty with Malaysia, the tax rates for specific sources of income may be reduced. Only services rendered in Malaysia are liable to tax. Interest paid to a non-resident by a bank or a finance company in Malaysia or on approved loans is exempt from tax. An approved loan is a loan granted to or guaranteed by the Malaysian government. **** For all dividends paid, credited or distributed from 1 January 2014 onwards. # Reduced to 24% w.e.f YA 2016. ** *** Collection of tax An estimate of a company’s tax payable for a YA must be furnished by all companies to the Director General not later than 30 days before the beginning of the basis period except for the following: A newly established company with paid-up capital of RM2.5 million and less is exempted from this requirement for 2 to 3 YAs, beginning from the YA in which the company commences operation subject to certain conditions. A company commencing operations in a YA is not required to furnish estimates of tax payable or make instalment payments if the basis period for the YA in which the company commences operations is less than 6 months. Tax is generally payable by 12 equal monthly instalments beginning from the second month of the company’s basis period (financial year). The balance of tax payable by a company based on return submitted is due to be paid by the due date for submission of the return. In general, tax on all income other than income from a business or 11 CORPORATE INCOME TAX employment source are collected by means of withholding tax. The withholding tax is payable within one month of crediting or paying the nonresident company. Profit distribution Tax on a company’s profits is a final tax and dividends paid, credited or distributed from 1 January 2014 are exempt in the hands of shareholders. Losses Business losses can be set off against income from all sources in the current year. Any unutilised losses can be carried forward indefinitely to be utilised against income from any business source. For dormant companies, the carry forward of losses is only allowed if the shareholder continuity test is met, i.e. shareholders of the company at the beginning of the basis period for that YA are substantially the same as those at the end of the basis period for the (prior) YA in which the loss was initially ascertained. Group relief Under the group relief provision, a company may surrender a maximum of 70% of its adjusted loss for a YA to one or more related companies. The claimant and surrendering companies must meet the following conditions: Resident and incorporated in Malaysia. Paid-up capital of ordinary shares exceeding RM2.5 million at the beginning of the basis period. The same (12-month) accounting period. Both companies are “related companies” as defined in the law, and must be “related” throughout the relevant basis period as well as the 12 months preceding that basis period. Companies currently enjoying certain incentives such as pioneer status (PS), ITA, reinvestment allowance, etc. are not eligible for group relief. Tax deductions Generally, tax deduction is allowed for all outgoings and expenses wholly and exclusively incurred in the production of income. Certain expenses are specifically disallowed, for example: - Domestic, private or capital expenditure - Lease rentals for passenger cars exceeding RM50,000 or RM100,000 per car, the latter amount being applicable to vehicles costing RM150,000 or less which have not been used prior to the rental 12 CAPITAL ALLOWANCES - Employer’s contributions to unapproved pension, provident or saving schemes Employer’s contributions to approved schemes in excess of 19% of employee’s remuneration Non-approved donations 50% of entertainment expenses with certain exceptions Employee’s leave passages Interest, royalty, contract payment, technical fee, rental of movable property or other payments made to non-residents which are subject to Malaysian withholding tax but where the withholding tax was not paid Transfer pricing The DGIR is empowered to make adjustments on transactions of goods and services if he is of the opinion that the transactions were not entered into on arm’s-length basis. Guidelines and the following rules have been issued by the DGIR: - Income Tax (Transfer Pricing) Rules 2012 (w.e.f 1 January 2009) - Income Tax (Advance Pricing Arrangement) Rules 2012 (w.e.f 1 January 2009) Thin capitalisation A new provision for thin capitalisation was introduced w.e.f 1 January 2009 under which the portion of interest charge that relates to the amount of financial assistance that is excessive is disallowed as a deduction. However, the implementation of specific rules relating to this provision has been deferred to December 2015. Loan / advances to director Companies are deemed to derive interest income from loan or advances (sourced from internal funds of the company) provided to a director of the company for that basis period based on prescribed formula. CAPITAL ALLOWANCES Industrial buildings Qualifying expenditure (QE) QE for purposes of industrial building allowance is the cost of construction of buildings or structures which are used as industrial buildings. In the case of a purchased building, the QE is the purchase price. 13 CAPITAL ALLOWANCES Industrial buildings An industrial building includes a building used as/for: - a factory, warehouse - a dock, wharf, jetty - working a farm, mine - supplying water or electricity, or telecommunication facilities - approved research and approved training - a private hospital, maternity home and nursing home which is licensed under the law - an old folks’ care centre approved by the Social Welfare Department - for a school or an educational institution approved by the Minister of Education - technical or vocational training approved by the Minister of Finance - a hotel registered with the Ministry of Tourism The Minister of Finance may prescribe a building used for the purpose of a person’s business as an industrial building. General rates of allowance for Industrial building, whether constructed or purchased (w.e.f YA 2002): - Initial allowance : Annual allowance : 10% 3% Plant and machinery Qualifying expenditure (QE) QE includes: - cost of assets used in a business, such as plant and machinery, office equipment, furniture and fittings, motor vehicles, etc. - the cost of construction and installation of plant and machinery (subject to payment of withholding tax where the installation is carried out by a non-resident). - expenditure on fish ponds, animal pens, cages and other structures used for agricultural or pastoral pursuits. General rates of capital allowance YA 2015 Initial allowance Annual allowance 20% 20% 20% 14% 20% 10% Heavy machinery General plant and machinery Furniture and fixtures 14 CAPITAL ALLOWANCES YA 2015 Initial allowance Annual allowance 20% 10% 20% 20%* Office equipment Motor vehicles * QE for non-commercial vehicle is restricted to the maximum amount below: New vehicles purchased on or after 28 October 2000 where on-the-road price is RM150,000 or less Vehicles other than the above Maximum QE RM100,000 RM50,000 Expenditure on assets with life spans of not more than 2 years is allowed on a replacement basis. Accelerated capital allowances Example of assets which qualify for accelerated capital allowance rates: Initial Allowance % Industrial buildings Public roads and ancillary structures which expenditure is recoverable through toll collection Buildings for the provision of child care facilities / centre Buildings used as living accommodation for employees by a person engaged in a manufacturing, hotel or tourism business or approved service project Buildings used as a school or an educational institution approved by the Minister of Education or any relevant authority or for the purposes of industrial, technical or vocational training approved by the Minister Building used as a warehouse for storage of goods for export or for storage of imported goods to be processed and distributed or reexported Buildings purchased or constructed by a BioNexus status company for use in its approved business or expansion project 15 Annual Allowance % 10 6 - 10 - 10 - 10 - 10 - 10 CAPITAL ALLOWANCES Buildings constructed under an agreement with the government on a build-lease-transfer basis, approved by the Minister of Finance Buildings constructed for the Government or statutory body under Private Financing Initiatives approved by the Prime Minister’s Department under build-lease-maintain-transfer basis where no consideration has been paid by the Government or statutory body Plant and machinery (P & M) Computer and information technology assets and computer software (until YA 2016) Security control and monitoring equipment (until YA 2015) Environmental protection equipment P & M for building and construction P & M of a manufacturing company used exclusively for recycling wastes or further processing of wastes into a finished product P & M of agriculture/plantation companies P & M for maintaining the quality of power supply Moulds used in the production of industrialised building system component Initial Allowance % 10 Annual Allowance % 6 10 6 20 80 20 80 40 30 40 20 10, 14 or 20 20 20 20 40 40 40 20 Small-value assets not exceeding RM1,000 (RM 1,300 w.e.f YA 2015) each are eligible for 100% capital allowances. The total capital allowances of such assets are capped at RM10,000 (RM13,000 w.e.f YA 2015) except for SMEs (as defined). Additional capital allowances to increase automation the manufacturing sector Total Capital Allowance (%) First category High labour intensive industries (e.g. rubber products, plastics, wood, furniture and textiles) - first RM4 million incurred within 2015 to 2017 Second category Other industries - first RM2 million incurred within 2015 to 2020 16 200 200 AGRICULTURE ALLOWANCES Disposals Balancing adjustments (allowance/charge) will arise on the disposal of assets on which capital allowances have been claimed. Generally, the balancing adjustment is the difference between the tax written down value and the disposal proceeds, except that balancing charge is restricted to the amount of allowances previously claimed. Controlled transfers No balancing adjustments will be made where assets are transferred between persons/companies under common control. In such cases, the actual consideration for the transfer of the asset is disregarded and the disposer/acquirer is deemed to have disposed of/acquired the asset at the tax written down value. Disposals within 2 years Capital allowances which have been previously granted shall be clawed back if the asset is sold within 2 years from the date of purchase, except by reason of death of the owner or other reasons the DGIR thinks appropriate. Unabsorbed capital allowances Capital allowances are granted in respect of a business source only and any unabsorbed allowances can be carried forward indefinitely to be utilised against income from the same business source. The carry forward and utilisation of unabsorbed capital allowances brought forward from a prior year for dormant companies are subject to the shareholder continuity test, similar to unutilised business losses. AGRICULTURE ALLOWANCES Qualifying agriculture expenditure Clearing and preparation of land Planting (but not replanting) of crops on cleared land Construction of a road or bridge on a farm Building used as living accommodation or for welfare of a person employed in working a farm Any other building 17 Rates % 50 50 50 20 10 DOUBLE TAX TREATIES AND WITHHOLDING TAX RATES DOUBLE TAX TREATIES AND WITHHOLDING TAX RATES The following countries have concluded double tax treaties with Malaysia: Treaty countries Albania Australia Austria Bahrain Bangladesh Belgium Bosnia & Herzegovina 1 Brunei Canada China, People’s Republic Chile Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Egypt Fiji Finland France Germany Hong Kong Hungary India Indonesia Iran Ireland Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Korea Republic Kyrgyz Republic Kuwait Laos Lebanese Republic Luxembourg Malta Interest 10 or Nil 15 or Nil 15 or Nil 5 or Nil 15 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 15 or Nil 10 or Nil 15 10 or Nil 12 or Nil 15 or Nil 15 or Nil 15 or Nil 15 or Nil 15 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 15 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 15 or Nil 10 or Nil 15 or Nil 10 or Nil 15 or Nil 10 or Nil 15 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 15 or Nil 18 Rate of withholding tax % Royalties Technical Fees 10 10 10 or Nil Nil 10 10 8 10 10 or Nil 10 10 10 8 10 10 10 10 or Nil 10 10 10 10 5 10 10 10 10 10 or Nil 10 10 10 10 10 10 or Nil 10 10 or Nil 10 7 7 8 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 10 10 or Nil 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 or Nil 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 10 8 8 10 10 DOUBLE TAX TREATIES AND WITHHOLDING TAX RATES Treaty countries Mauritius Morocco Mongolia Myanmar Namibia Netherlands New Zealand Norway Pakistan Papua New Guinea Philippines Poland (New)1 Qatar Romania Russian Federation San Marino Saudi Arabia Senegal1 Seychelles Republic Singapore Sri Lanka South Africa Spain Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Thailand Turkey Turkmenistan United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam Zimbabwe Interest 15 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 15 or Nil 15 or Nil 15 or Nil 15 or Nil 15 or Nil 10 or Nil 5 or Nil 15 or Nil 15 or Nil 10 or Nil 5 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 15 or Nil 15 or Nil 10 or Nil 5 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil 15 or Nil 10 or Nil 10 or Nil Rate of withholding tax % Royalties Technical Fees 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 5 5 8 or Nil 8 10 or Nil 10 10 or Nil 10 10 or Nil 10 10 10 10 or Nil 10 8 8 8 8 10 or Nil 10 10 10 10 10 8 8 10 10 10 10 8 5 10 10 5 5 7 5 10 10 8 8 10 or Nil 10 10 10 10 or Nil 10 10 10 10 Nil 10 10 8 8 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 Notes * Argentina and the United State of Amerika – Restricted double tax treaty covering air and sea transport operations in international traffic. * There is no withholding tax on dividends paid by Malaysian companies. 1 Pending ratification 19 TAX INCENTIVES TAX INCENTIVES Malaysia offers a wide range of tax incentives ranging from tax exemptions, allowances based on capital expenditure to enhanced tax deductions. Where income is exempted, tax exempt dividends may be paid out of the exempted income. For incentives by way of allowances, any unutilised allowances can generally be carried forward until fully utilised. These tax incentives are generally available for tax resident companies. A. MANUFACTURING / SERVICES / TRADING SECTOR Pioneer status (PS) and Investment tax allowance (ITA) Companies intending to engage or which have commenced production less than a year in a promoted activity or promoted product in the manufacturing, food processing, agricultural, hotel, tourism or other industrial or commercial sectors may be eligible for PS or ITA. PS – tax exemption on 70% of statutory income for 5 years from production day. ITA – 60% of qualifying capital expenditure (QCE) incurred within 5 years of approval date to be offset against 70% of statutory income for each YA until fully utilised. A company with PS / ITA status which intends to undertake reinvestment before expiry of its PS / ITA status may opt for reinvestment allowance, provided it surrenders its PS / ITA status. Enhanced PS / ITA Pioneer status Qualifying industry Incentive Investment tax allowance TRP1 Incentive (years) TRP1 (years) High technology companies 100% of engaged in new and emerging SI2 technologies 5 60% QCE3 against 100% SI 5 Companies participating in automotive component modules 100% of SI 5 60% QCE against 100% SI 5 Companies producing specialised machinery and equipment 100% of SI Companies providing technical and vocational - 20 5 + 5 100% QCE against 100% SI 5 - 100% QCE against 70% SI 10 TAX INCENTIVES Pioneer status Qualifying industry Incentive Investment tax allowance TRP1 Incentive (years) TRP1 (years) training, and private higher education institution providing qualifying science courses Projects of national and strategic importance 100% of SI 5 + 5 100% QCE against 100% SI 5 Companies using oil palm biomass to produce value added products 100% of SI 5 + 5 100% QCE against 100% SI 5 Companies reinvesting in post-pioneer period in production of heavy machinery, specialised machinery, and equipment cold chain facilities and services for perishable agriculture produce 70% of SI 5 60% QCE against 70% SI 5 Companies with halal / other quality certification producing halal food - - 100% QCE against 100% SI 5 Providers of industrial design services (until 31 Dec 2016) 70% of SI 5 - - Notes *The above list is not exhaustive. Refer to the other relevant industries in this guide for further details 1 2 3 Tax relief period (in terms of years). Statutory income Qualifying capital expenditure Special incentive scheme A company incorporated and resident in Malaysia, deriving income from an “approved business” which is approved by the Minister of Finance. Incentive: Income tax exemption of 70% of statutory income (or any other rate prescribed by the Minister) of the approved business; or Income tax exemption on statutory income of the approved business by way of an allowance (rate of allowance to be determined by the Minister) 21 TAX INCENTIVES Allowance for increased export A resident company engaged in manufacturing or agriculture, which has exported manufactured products or agricultural produce, or services. Incentive: Allowance at the following rates, deductible up to 70% of statutory income: Manufactured products Agricultural produce % of value added* Allowance (% of increased exports) 30 10 50 15 - 10 Designated “Qualifying Services” 50 *Value added means ex-factory price less total cost of raw materials. Local companies engaged in manufacturing or agricultural activities qualify for enhanced allowance rates of: 30% of increased export value where significant increase (at least 50%) in exports is achieved; 50% of increased export value if new markets are penetrated; or 100% of increased export value if the company is awarded the “Export Excellence Award” by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. For services, this incentive rate is extended to recipients of “Export Excellence Award (Services)” and “Brand Excellence Award”. Approved services project (ASP) Resident companies in the communication, utilities and transportation services subsectors which have incurred QCE on ASP that is, a project in any of the above services subsectors, which has been approved by the Minister of Finance. Incentive: Investment allowance of 60% of QCE incurred within 5 years to be offset against 70% of statutory income, or Section 127 exemption from tax of 70% of statutory income for 5 years. Industrial building allowance for buildings constructed or purchased for ASP purposes. Exemption from customs duty and sales tax on imported material and machinery which is not available locally, or, if locally purchased, such items must be used as direct inputs in ASP. 22 TAX INCENTIVES Enhanced relief is available for projects of national and strategic importance: - Investment allowance of 100% of QCE to be offset against 100% of statutory income, or - Section 127 exemption of 100% of statutory income for 10 years. Food production Company that invests in its subsidiary company which is engaged in approved food production activities is eligible for tax deduction equivalent to the amount of investment made in that subsidiary. Subsidiary company engaged in approved food production activities is eligible for 100% tax exemption on statutory income for 10 years for new project or 5 years for expansion project (Applications by 31 December 2015 to the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry). Reinvestment allowance A Malaysian resident company which has been in operation for not less than 36 months and has incurred QCE on a factory, plant and machinery used in Malaysia to expand, modernise, automate, or diversify existing manufacturing business or approved agriculture project. Incentive: Allowance of 60% of QCE to be offset against 70% of statutory income for 15 years beginning from the YA the reinvestment allowance is first claimed. Allowance of 60% of QCE to be offset against 100% of statutory income where the qualifying project has achieved the level of productivity as prescribed by the Minister of Finance. B. BIOTECHNOLOGY Company undertaking biotechnology activity with approved BioNexus status from Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation Sdn Bhd. Incentive: 100% exemption for 10 years (new business) or 5 years (expansion project) from the first year in which the company derives statutory income; or ITA of 100% on QCE incurred within a period of 5 years to be offset against 100% of statutory income. Concessionary tax rate of 20% on statutory income derived from an approved business for 10 years upon expiry of tax exempt period. Industrial building allowance of 10% over 10 years on buildings used solely for approved business or expansion project of a BioNexus company. 23 TAX INCENTIVES Stamp duty and real property gains tax exemptions given to a BioNexus company undertaking approved merger and acquisition scheme with a biotechnology company. Import duty and sales tax exemption on raw materials/components and machinery/equipment. Company or individual investing in a BioNexus company is eligible for tax deduction equivalent to the total investment in seed capital and early stage financing. Bioeconomy Community Development Programme Company undertaking Research and Development (R&D) activity for the development of Bioeconomy and applications for incentives received by Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation Sdn Bhd from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018. Incentive: Tax deduction for acquisition of technology platform in bio-based industry. Import duty exemption on R&D equipment for companies that invest in pilot plants (for pre-commercialisation purposes). Special incentive for operational cost incurred on human capital development for Centre of Excellence for R&D. C. EDUCATION Private higher education institutions (PHEIs) PHEIs incurring expenses on development of new courses which comply with regulatory requirements relating to those courses. Incentive: Deduction on the expenses to be claimed over a period of 3 years. Non-profit oriented school Non-profit oriented school approved and recognized by the Ministry of Education (MOE). Incentive: Tax exemption on income from management of the school. Profit Oriented Private or International School Profit oriented private school or international school registered with MOE. Incentive: 24 TAX INCENTIVES 70% income tax exemption for a period of 5 years or ITA of 100% on QCE incurred within 5 years which can be used to offset 70% of statutory income (application received by 31 December 2015). Import duty and sales tax exemption for educational equipment (applications from 8 October 2011). Double deduction for overseas promotional expenses (from YA 2012). Pre-School Education / Kindergarten Private pre-school / kindergarten registered with MOE. Incentive: Tax exemption on statutory income from the business of the pre-school / kindergarten for a period of 5 years (from YA 2013). IBA at annual rate of 10% for building used as pre-school / kindergarten. D. FINANCIAL SERVICES Closed-end fund company Malaysian incorporated public limited company engaged wholly in investment of funds in securities and approved by the Securities Commission (SC). Incentive: Tax exemption on gains from realisation of investments and certain interest income. Deduction of up to 25% of “permitted expenses”. Foreign fund management company Malaysian incorporated company licensed to provide fund management services. Incentive: 10% tax on chargeable income from the provision of management services to foreign investors. Underwriting, distributing or dealing in sukuk Holder of relevant licence and registered person under the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 (CMSA) carrying out activities of arranging, underwriting and distributing of or dealing in non-Ringgit sukuk originating from Malaysia. Incentive: Tax exemption on statutory income from such activities. (YA 2009 to YA 2014) 25 TAX INCENTIVES Issuance of agro-sukuk, retail sukuk and retail debentures Company that issues Agro-sukuk, retail sukuk and retail debentures approved by the SC or the Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA). Incentive: Double deduction on the expenses for the issuance of approved AgroSukuk (YA 2013 to YA 2015) and also on additional expenses for issuance of approved retailed debentures (YA 2012 to YA 2015). Single deduction on additional expenses for the issuance of retail sukuk (YA 2012 to YA 2015). Stamp duty exemption on instruments relating to the sale and purchase of retail debentures and retail sukuk as approved by the SC under the CMSA executed by individual investors (for instruments executed from 1 October 2012 to 31 December 2015). Islamic banking and takaful business Licensed Islamic banks or banking units and takaful operators or units conducting business in international currencies. Incentive: Tax exemption on statutory income from business conducted in international currencies (YA 2007 to YA 2016). Stamp duty exemption on certain instruments relating to Islamic banking, takaful activities and Islamic capital market under a scheme to promote Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre executed from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2016. Islamic fund management Fund management company providing fund management services on funds established under the Syariah principles and approved by the SC. Incentive: Tax exemption on statutory income from the above fund management services (YA 2008 to YA 2016). Islamic securities Company that incurs expenditure in the issuance of Islamic securities based on certain Syariah principles and approved by the SC or the Labuan FSA. Incentive: Deduction on the above issuance expenditure (YA 2011 to YA 2015 – where approved by SC or Labuan FSA; YA 2012 to YA 2015 – where issued under 26 TAX INCENTIVES Wakalah principle; YA 2016 to YA 2018 – where issued under Ijarah and Wakalah principles). Islamic stock broking company Newly established Islamic stock broking company that applies to Bursa Malaysia from 2 September 2006 to 31 December 2015 and commences its business within 2 years from the date of approval. Incentive: Deduction on the establishment expenditure. Listing of foreign companies and foreign products in Bursa Malaysia Licensed and registered person which provides advisory services in structuring and listing of a foreign corporation or the listing of a foreign investment product on an approved stock exchange. Incentive: Tax exemption on statutory income from the above advisory services (YA 2009 to YA 2013). Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) / Property Trust Fund (PTF) REIT/PTF approved by the SC. Incentive: Tax exemption on all income if at least 90% of total income is distributed. Stamp duty exemption on instruments of transfer/deed of assignment relating to the purchase of real property and instruments of transfer of real property to REIT/PTF. Real property gains tax exemption on disposal of real property to REIT. Final withholding tax of 10% on dividends paid by REIT to non-corporate or foreign institutional investors (1 January 2009 till 31 December 2016). Special single deduction for consultancy, legal and valuation service fees incurred in the establishment of REIT. No balancing charge on disposal of industrial building from a company to a REIT. The REIT is eligible to claim the balance of unclaimed industrial building allowance of the disposer if the disposer company owns 50% or more of the units in the REIT. Special purpose vehicle (SPV) for Islamic financing SPV established solely for the purpose of complying with Syariah principles in 27 TAX INCENTIVES the issuance of Islamic securities. Incentive: The SPV is not subject to income tax and not required to comply with administrative procedures under the Income Tax Act 1967. Company that established the SPV is allowed a deduction for cost of issuance of Islamic securities. The company is deemed to be the recipient of the SPV’s income and taxed accordingly. Venture capital industry 1. Venture capital company (VCC) VCC that invests in early stage financing of a venture company (VC) which is not the VCC’s related company at the point of first investment. Incentive: (i) Tax exemption on income from all sources, other than interest income from savings or fixed deposits and profits from Syariah-based deposits for the following duration: Exempt Period 10 years Conditions - at least 70% of invested funds is invested in VC; or - at least 50% of invested funds is invested in VC in the form of seed capital (ii) Deduction of the value of investment made in a VC against business income. 2. Individual investor Individual who invests in the early stage financing of a VC. Incentive: Deduction of the value of investment made in a VC against business income. 3. Angel investor Resident individual who invests not more than 30% of the shares in an Investee Company Incentive: Exemption of aggregate income in the second YA following the investment for a sum equal to the amount invested in the Investee Company (applications received by Ministry of Finance (MoF) from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2017). 28 TAX INCENTIVES Angel investor is unrelated to Investee Company At least 51% of ordinary shares of Investee Company is directly owned by a citizen (other than an Angel Investor). Subject to other conditions to be specified by MoF. 4. Venture capital management company (VCMC) Incentive: Tax exemption on income from the share of profits with a VCC on any investment made by the VCC as stipulated in the agreement. Treasury Management Centre (TMC) A company providing centralised treasury management services (applications by 31 December 2016) to its group of related companies (within or outside the country) in Malaysia. Incentive: 70% tax exemption on statutory income arising from qualifying treasury services rendered to related companies for 5 years. Withholding tax exemption on interest on borrowings from non-resident person for the purpose of providing qualifying services. Stamp duty exemption on instruments of loan agreements and service agreements for qualifying activities executed between 8 October 2011 and 31 December 2016. Expatriates are taxed only on the portion of their chargeable income attributable to the number of days they are in Malaysia. Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) (formerly known as Kuala Lumpur International Financial District) Incentives for TRX status companies: 100% tax exemption for a period of 10 years Incentives for TRX Marquee status companies: Stamp duty exemption on the following instruments executed by TRX Marquee status company: Instruments Execution period Instruments of transfer for purchase of commercial property - Loan agreement, any lease or agreement for lease of commercial property 31 January 2013 to 31 December 2020 Service agreement 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2022 29 TAX INCENTIVES Industrial building allowance and accelerated capital allowance. Additional 50% tax deduction of rental payment incurred for building used for business in TRX. Deduction of relocation cost incurred to relocate to TRX. Incentives for property developers in TRX: 70% tax exemption for a period of 5 years for property developers in TRX. Business Trust (BT) BT established under the CMSA. Incentive (provided on one-off basis at the initial stage of establishment): Stamp duty exemption on instruments of transfer of businesses, assets or real properties to a BT for instruments executed from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2017. RPGT exemptions for disposal of real properties or shares in a real property company to a BT from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2017. E. GREEN INCENTIVES Conservation of energy Applications for the incentive must be made by 31 December 2015. Providing energy conservation services Conserving energy for own consumption Tax exemption of 100% of statutory income for 10 years, or ITA of 100% QCE incurred within 5 years to be offset against 100% statutory income ITA of 100% QCE incurred within 5 years to be offset against 100% statutory income Import duty and sales tax exemption on energy conservation equipment not produced locally. Sales tax exemption on purchase of equipment from local manufacturers. Green Building Index (GBI) Certification A person (resident in Malaysia) who has obtained a GBI certificate issued by the Board of Architects Malaysia from 24 October 2009 until 31 December 2014. Incentive: Exemption of statutory income equal to the amount of qualifying expenditure incurred for the purpose of obtaining the GBI certificate. 30 TAX INCENTIVES “Qualifying expenditure” means additional expenditure incurred for construction of a building, alteration, renovation, extension or improvement of an existing building or plant or machinery. Renewable energy source Applications for the incentives must be made by 31 December 2015. Generating renewable energy from Generating renewable energy for own biomass, hydropower (not exceeding 10 consumption MW) or solar power Tax exemption of 100% of statutory income for 10 years, or ITA of 100% QCE incurred within 5 years to be offset against 100% statutory income ITA of 100% QCE incurred within 5 years to be offset against 100% statutory income Import duty and sales tax exemption on equipment used to generate energy from renewable sources not produced locally Sales tax exemption on purchase of equipment from local manufacturers Green Technology Incentive: Investment Tax Allowance for purchase of green technology equipment. Income tax exemption on the income from the use of green technology services and system. F. HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS Private healthcare facilities Resident incorporated company that undertaking new private healthcare facility business or expansion, modernization, refurbishment of an existing private healthcare facility business. Incentive: Tax exemption of statutory income of its qualifying project equal to 100% of QCE incurred for 5 years (for application received from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014). 31 TAX INCENTIVES Health tourism Healthcare service provider resident in Malaysia offering services to foreign clients in Malaysia. Incentive: Allowance for increase in export equal to 100% of the value of increased export to be offset against 70% of statutory income (YA 2010 to YA 2014). Medical Tourism New and existing company that undertakes expansion, modernization, refurbishment to provide private healthcare facility to at least 5% healthcare traveller from their total patients. Incentive: Tax exemption of statutory income equal to 100% of QCE incurred for 5 years (for application received from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017). Mines Wellness City (MWC) Application received by MIDA on or after 1 January 2013 MWC Developers undertaking development activities in MWC MWC Development Managers undertaking activities in MWC Tax exemption of 100% of Tax exemption of 100% of statutory income until YA statutory income until YA 2023; 2023 or Tax exemption of 100% of statutory income derived from rental of a MWC building until YA 2026; and 50% stamp duty exemption on instruments of transfer or lease of land or building until 31 December 2023 32 MWC Operators undertaking qualifying activities in MWC Tax exemption of 70% of statutory income for a period of 5 years; or ITA of 60% QCE incurred within 5 years to be offset against 70% statutory income Applications received by MIDA from 1 January 2013 until 31 December 2026 TAX INCENTIVES G. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Cost of developing websites Expenditure incurred on development of an electronic commerce enabled websites for a business is given an annual deduction of 20% for 5 years. Offshore trading via website in Malaysia An approved offshore trading company trading with non-residents through a website in Malaysia, in foreign goods for consumption outside Malaysia. Incentive: Income tax exemption based on a specified formula for a period of 5 years. H. OTHER INCENTIVES Proprietary rights Manufacturing company with at least 70% owned by Malaysian which acquires proprietary rights (e.g. patents, industrial design, trademarks) to be used for purposes of the business. Incentive: Deduction on the cost of acquisition of the proprietary rights to be claimed over a period of 5 years. Childcare centre Private childcare centre registered with the Department of Social Welfare. Incentive: Tax exemption on income from the business of the childcare centre for 5 years. IBA at annual rate of 10% for building used as childcare centre. Small Malaysian Service Providers Enterprise fully owned by Malaysian in certain service sectors, which has annual sales turnover of less than RM5 million or less than 50 full-time employees, and carried out a scheme of merger or acquisition approved by the Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation Malaysia. Incentive: Flat tax rate of 20% on all taxable income for 5 years from date of completion of the merger (applications received within 3 years from 3 July 2012). 33 TAX INCENTIVES Stamp duty exemption on certain instruments executed pursuant to the scheme mentioned above from 3 July 2012 to 2 July 2015. Anchor Companies under Vendor Development Programme (VDP) Anchor companies that implement VDP and have the Memorandum of Understanding with Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) signed from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016. Incentive: Double deduction (for 3 YAs) for expenses incurred (not exceeding RM300,000 per year) to carry out specified activities in relation to product development, capability improvement and human capital development. Acquisition of foreign owned company Malaysian incorporated company carrying on business of manufacturing or providing selected services in Malaysia approved by Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) acquires a foreign owned company and uses the high technology to increase performance or enhancement of technology and processes of the company’s operation in Malaysia. An annual deduction of 20% of the cost of acquisition of foreign owned company for 5 years Special deduction for audit fees Single deduction of the statutory audit fee incurred. Industrial Area Management Private sector maintaining public facilities or infrastructure. Incentive: Managing, maintaining and 100% tax exemption for a period of 5 upgrading industrial estates in years less developed area Managing industrial estates in other areas 70% tax exemption for a period of 5 years 34 TAX INCENTIVES I. REFINERY AND PETROCHEMICAL INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT (RAPID) Petroliam National Berhad (Petronas), related companies of Petronas or companies which Petronas has an equity holding and carries out qualifying activity (QA) within RAPID complex. Incentive: Withholding tax exemption on payments received by non-resident. 100% of QCE to be offset against 100% of statutory income for 10 consecutive YAs. 100% of QCE to be offset against 100% of statutory income for 5 consecutive YAs for reinvesting after the initial 10 years (as stated above) has expired. Tax exemption for 15 consecutive YAs on income derived by Malaysian resident company from QA in RAPID complex and a 50% income tax exemption for a further 5 YAs immediately after the expiry of the first 15 YAs. Stamp duty exemption on all instruments in relation to QA in RAPID complex executed from 10 October 2011 to 31 December 2021. Deduction of pre-commencement expenses within 4 years from commencement of the QA, which must be on or after 1 October 2010. J. REGIONAL OPERATIONS International Procurement Centre (IPC) Company incorporated in Malaysia with the following criteria: minimum paid-up capital of RM500,000 and minimum annual business spending of RM1.5 million; handling of goods directly through Malaysian ports and airports; minimum turnover of RM50 million by third year of operations. Incentive: Tax exemption on income for 10 years excluding income from local sales exceeding 20% of total sales, subject to annual turnover exceeding RM100 million and other conditions. Customs duties exemption on import of raw materials, components or finished products into Free Zones or licensed manufacturing warehouses for repacking, cargo consolidation and integration before distribution to final consumers. Expatriate posts to be granted based on needs. Foreign currency accounts to retain export proceeds are allowed. 35 TAX INCENTIVES International trading company Company incorporated in Malaysia with the following criteria: registered with MATRADE and at least 60% Malaysian owned equity; has minimum annual sales turnover of RM10 million; uses local services for banking, finance, insurance and use local ports and airports. Incentive: Tax exemption equivalent to 20% of the increased export value to be offset against 70% of statutory income for 5 years. Operational Headquarters (OHQ) company Company incorporated in Malaysia with the following criteria: providing qualifying services approved by Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to its offices or related companies within or outside Malaysia; paid-up capital of at least RM500,000 with minimum annual business spending of RM1.5 million. Incentive: Tax exemption on for 10 years excluding income from qualifying services provided to related companies in Malaysia exceeding 20% of total income from qualifying services. Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) Company incorporated in Malaysia with the following criteria: minimum paid-up capital of RM500,000 and minimum annual business spending of RM1.5 million; annual turnover of RM100 million or more. Incentive: Tax exemption for 10 years excluding income from local sales exceeding 20% of total sales. Import duty and sales tax exemption on goods for distribution. Expatriate posts granted based on needs. Global Incentive for Trading (GIFT) programme Labuan company which trades in physical and related derivative instruments of the following commodities in foreign currency can apply to Labuan FSA to be under the GIFT programme: (a) petroleum and petroleum-related products including liquefied natural gas (LNG); 36 TAX INCENTIVES (b) minerals and base minerals; (c) Agriculture products; (d) Refined raw materials; and (e) Chemicals. Incentive: (i) 3% tax rate on chargeable profits as reflected in audited accounts; or (ii) Tax exemption on chargeable profit for first 3 years of its operation if the company is licenced before 31 December 2014 to be purely in the trading of LNG. Thereafter, it will be subject to tax as per (i) above. K. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) Income Tax Exemption and Investment Tax Allowance Entity Approved research company or institution Company undertaking approved in-house R&D projects Contract R&D company which provides R&D services to third parties Incentive 100% tax exemption on adjusted income for 5 years ITA of 50% on QCE for 10 years to be set off against 70% of statutory income. PS with 100% tax exemption on statutory income for 5 years; or ITA of 100% on QCE for 10 years to be set off against 70% of statutory income. R&D company undertaking projects for its own group and third parties ITA of 100% on QCE for 10 years to be set off against 70% of statutory income Double deduction - Revenue expenditure incurred on approved research. - Cash contributions to approved research institutions. - Payment for services of approved research companies or institutions / contract R&D companies / non-related R&D companies / related R&D companies which are not enjoying the ITA incentive. Industrial building allowance QCE incurred on buildings used for approved research. 37 TAX INCENTIVES Commercialisation of resource-based and non-resource based R&D findings Investor company - incorporated and tax resident in Malaysia and owns at least 70% of the equity of the company that commercialises resource-based or nonresource based R&D findings Incentive: Tax deduction equivalent to the amount of investment made in subsidiary (Applications received from 11 September 2004). Company undertaking commercialisation project - incorporated in Malaysia with at least 70% Malaysian equity ownership Incentive: PS with 100% tax exemption on statutory income for 10 years (Applications received from 29 September 2012 until 31 December 2017) Commercialisation of R&D findings is within a year from approval of the incentive. L. LOGISTIC Shipping A resident person (including a partnership) carrying on a business of transporting passengers or cargo by sea on Malaysian ships or time or voyage charter of Malaysian ships owned by that person. Incentive: Income tax exemption of: 100% of statutory income until YA 2013; and 70% of statutory income from YA 2014. Integrated logistics services (ILS) A company or a group operation (at least 60% Malaysian owned) undertaking ILS. 3 principal activities of freight forwarding, transportation and warehousing and 1 additional other designated activity must be undertaken. Incentive: PS with 70% tax exemption on statutory income for 5 years; or ITA of 60% on QCE for 5 years to be set off against 70% of statutory income. 38 TAX INCENTIVES M. SPECIAL ECONOMIC CORRIDORS Iskandar Malaysia (IM) IDR-status company is eligible for 100% tax exemption on statutory income derived from qualifying activities provided to any person situated both within an approved node and outside Malaysia; or outside Malaysia only, for 10 years. Developer is eligible for 100% tax exemption on statutory income from: (a) disposal of rights over land in an approved node (until YA 2015); and (b) rental or disposal of a building located in an approved node (until YA 2020). Development manager is eligible for 100% tax exemption on statutory income from provision of management, supervisory or marketing services to developers (until YA 2020). N. TOURISM, HOTELS AND EXHIBITIONS Conference promotion Resident conference promoter organising conferences held in Malaysia where at least 500 foreign participants are brought in annually. Incentive: 100% tax exemption on statutory income from organising conferences. Domestic tours Resident company organising domestic tour packages where the total local tourists is 1,500 or more per year. Incentive: Tax exemption on income from domestic tour packages (YA 2013 to YA 2015). Group inclusive tours Resident incorporated company carrying on an inbound tour operating business approved and registered with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia where inbound tourists from outside Malaysia is 750 or more for the period . Incentive: Tax exemption on income from such tours (YA 2013 to YA 2015). 39 TAX INCENTIVES International trade exhibition Resident incorporated company organising international trade exhibitions approved by MATRADE held in Malaysia with at least 500 foreign visitors per year. Incentive: 100% tax exemption on statutory income from organising exhibitions. 4 and 5 star hotels Applications must be received by 31 December 2016. New investment in Sabah and Sarawak New investment in Peninsular Malaysia Tax exemption under PS of 100% of statutory income for 5 years, or ITA of 100% of QCE incurred within 5 years to be offset against 100% of statutory income. Tax exemption under PS of 70% of statutory income for 5 years, or ITA of 60% of QCE incurred within 5 years to be offset against 70% of statutory income. All hotels Hotels registered with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia which are expanding, modernising and renovating, are eligible for 60% ITA to be set off against 70% of statutory income for 5 years. O. FURTHER / DOUBLE DEDUCTION Examples of expenses that qualify for double deduction: Allowances paid by a company to participants of the Capital Market Graduate Training Scheme for unemployed graduates, for 3 years from the date of certification of the Training Scheme. Expenditure incurred by companies on the training of employees under an approved training program. Expenditure incurred by companies on the training of employees to obtain industry recognised certifications and professional qualifications approved by agencies appointed by the Minister of Finance (w.e.f YA 2015). Expenses incurred in obtaining recognized quality systems, standards and halal certification. Expenses incurred in the promotion of Malaysia as an International 40 TAX INCENTIVES Islamic Financial Centre (YA 2008 to YA 2015). Expenditure incurred on advertising Malaysian brand names registered locally or overseas and professional fees paid to companies promoting or advertising Malaysian brand names. Export credit insurance premiums based on takaful concept. Freight charges paid by manufacturers exporting rattan and wood-based products, excluding sawn timber and veneer (until YA 2015). Freight charges incurred by manufacturers for shipping goods from Sabah and Sarawak to any ports in Peninsular Malaysia. Insurance premiums for the import and export of goods where risks are insured with an insurance company incorporated in Malaysia (until YA 2015). Promotional expenditure incurred on seeking opportunities for the export of manufactured products, agricultural produce and services. Remuneration paid to an employee who is physically or mentally handicapped. Expenditure incurred by companies in conducting an approved internship programme for students pursuing full-time degree programme in higher education institution (YA 2012 to YA 2016). Expenditure incurred by companies in conducting an approved internship programme for students in vocational and diploma courses (YA 2015 to YA 2016). Expenditure incurred by private companies in providing scholarships to Malaysian students pursuing study at diploma and bachelor’s degree in local institutions of higher learning registered with the Ministry of Higher Education (YA 2012 to YA 2016). Expenditure incurred by companies in participating in career fairs abroad that are endorsed by TalentCorp (YA 2012 to YA 2016). Expenditure incurred by employers for the provision and maintenance of child care centres. Childcare allowance given by employers to employees. Interest expense and all costs involved in obtaining loans by a rescuing contractor to revive an abandoned housing project for 3 consecutive YA (for applications 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2015). Salary cost being the difference between the original wages and the minimum wages paid under the minimum wages policy by SMEs, cooperatives, associations and organizations employers (from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2014). 41 INCOME EXEMPT FROM TAX Training and consultancy fees to design an appropriate Flexible Work Arrangement for 3 YAs (for applications received by TalentCorp from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016). Expenses for Goods and Services Tax (GST) related training of employees in accounting and information & communication technology (YA 2014 to YA 2015). Expenditure incurred by companies participating in Skim Latihan 1Malaysia for unemployed graduates (from 1 June 2012 to 31 December 2020). Scholarships provided by companies to Malaysian students pursuing study in the vocational and technical fields in institutions recognised by the Government (YA 2015 to YA 2016). INCOME EXEMPT FROM TAX Income exempt from tax includes: Compensation for loss of employment and payments for restrictive covenants: - fully exempted if due to ill health; or - RM10,000 for every completed year of service with the same employer or with companies in the same group if not due to ill health. Death gratuities or sums received as consolidated compensation for death or injuries. Dividends paid, credited or distributed by co-operative societies to their members. Fees or honorarium (not part of official duties) for validating, moderating or accrediting franchised educational programmes in higher educational institutions which are verified by the National Accreditation Board. Foreign income of any person (other than a resident company carrying on the business of banking, insurance or sea or air transport) arising from sources outside Malaysia and remitted into Malaysia. Grant or subsidy received from the Federal or State Government. Housing and Labuan Territory allowance received by a Malaysian citizen from an employment in Labuan with a Labuan entity (exempt to the extent of 50% of gross allowance) (YA 2011 to YA 2020). Income arising from transactions made under a Securities Borrowing and Lending Agreement to a borrower and a lender arising from a loan of securities listed on Bursa Malaysia and the return of the same or equivalent securities, and the corresponding exchange of collateral, in respect of securities borrowing and lending transactions (excludes 42 INCOME EXEMPT FROM TAX dividends, lending fees, interest earned on collateral and rebates). Income from employment on board a ship (defined) used in a business operated by a resident owner of a ship registered under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952. Income from director’s fees received by a non-Malaysian citizen director of a Labuan entity (YA 2011 to YA 2020). Income of any person from the provision of qualifying professional services rendered in Labuan to a Labuan entity is exempt to the extent of 65% of the statutory income (YA 2011 to YA 2020). Income of a non-Malaysian citizen from exercising of an employment in a managerial capacity with a Labuan entity in Labuan, co-located office or marketing office is exempt to the extent of 50% of gross income from the employment (YA 2011 to YA 2020). Interest accruing to any person for bonds issued under the Bon Simpanan Malaysia Siri Kedua (BSM 2) by Bank Simpanan Nasional. Interest paid or credited to any person in respect of: - any savings certificate issued by the government. - Islamic securities originating from Malaysia, other than convertible loan stock, issued in any currency other than Ringgit and approved by SC or the Labuan FSA. Interest income derived by non-resident persons from a bank or finance company licensed under Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989 (now known as the Financial Services Act 2013) or Islamic Banking Act 1983 (now known as the Islamic Financial Services Act 2013), or any other financial institution approved by the Minister of Finance. Interest income paid or credited by non-resident companies from: - securities issued by the Government; or - Islamic securities or debentures issued in Ringgit Malaysia, other than convertible loan stocks, approved by the SC. Interest or bonus, gains or profits received by a resident individual from deposits placed in licensed institutions. Interest paid or credited to any individual in respect of Merdeka bonds issued by the Central Bank of Malaysia. Interest or discount paid or credited to any individual, unit trust and listed closed-end fund in respect of: - bonds or securities issued or guaranteed by the Government; - debentures or Islamic Securities, other than convertible loan stock, approved by the SC; or - Bon Simpanan Malaysia issued by the Central Bank of Malaysia. 43 INCOME EXEMPT FROM TAX Pensions paid to a person, which is derived from an employment exercised in Malaysia where: - the recipient has reached the age of 55 or the compulsory retirement age; or - retirement is due to ill health. Perquisites (in cash or in kind) for long service (more than 10 years of employment with the same employer), past achievement or service excellence, innovation, or productivity award up to an amount or value of RM2,000 a YA. Profit earned by individual investors from investments made through Investment Account Platform is exempted from tax for 3 consecutive years starting from the first year profit is earned. Retirement gratuities are fully exempt: - where the retirement is due to ill health, or on or after reaching the age of 55 or other compulsory age of retirement, from an employment which has lasted 10 years with the same employer or with companies in the same group; or - upon reaching compulsory retirement age pursuant to an employment contract or collective agreement at the age of 50 but before 55 and that employment has lasted 10 years with the same employer or with companies in the same group. Royalties received by non-resident franchisors from registered private higher educational institutions for approved franchised educational programmes. Royalties received by an individual resident in Malaysia in respect of: Publication of, or the use of, or the right to use, any artistic work Recording discs or tapes Publication of, or the use of, or the right to use, any literary work or any original painting Any musical composition Amount exempted per YA RM 10,000 10,000 20,000 20,000 Statutory income derived from members’ subscription fees received by trade associations. Statutory interest income derived by resident banks or financial institutions for 3 consecutive YAs from a rescuing contractor or developer of an abandoned project (for loans applied from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2015). 44 REAL PROPERTY GAINS TAX REAL PROPERTY GAINS TAX (RPGT) Scope Every person whether or not resident in Malaysia is chargeable to RPGT on gains arising from the disposal of real property and shares in real property company (RPC). Real property is defined as any land situated in Malaysia and any interest, option or other right in or over such land. A RPC is a controlled company holding real property or shares in another RPC as a major asset (i.e. defined value not less than 75% of the value of its total tangible assets). The RPGT rates are as follows: Disposal RPGT rates effective 1 Jan 2014 Individuals (Citizens & Individuals Permanent (Non Citizens) Residents) 30% 30% 20% 30% 15% 30% 0% 5% Companies Within 3 years In the 4th year In the 5th year In the 6th and subsequent years Disposal Up to 2 years Exceeding 2 until 5 years Exceeding 5 years 30% 20% 15% 5% RPGT rates for companies and individual 1 Jan 2010 to 1 Jan 2012 to 1 Jan 2013 to 31 Dec 2011 31 Dec 2012 31 Dec 2013 5% 10% 15% 5% 5% 10% 0% 0% 0% Withholding of RPGT With effect from 1 January 2010, where the consideration consists of wholly or partly of money, an acquirer of chargeable asset must withhold 2%* of the total value of the acquisition price to be paid or the whole of that money to the IRB within 60 days from the date of disposal. * W.e.f 1 January 2015, the retention rate will be increased from 2% to 3% 45 REAL PROPERTY GAINS TAX Exemptions The following are examples of some exemptions from RPGT: an amount of RM10,000 or 10% of the chargeable gain, whichever is greater, accruing to an individual. gain accruing to an individual who is a citizen or a permanent resident in respect of the disposal of one private residence. gain accruing to the Government, State Government, or a local authority. disposal of assets in connection with securitization of assets from 1 January 2001. disposal of assets to REIT and Property Trust Funds. disposal of assets in relation to Sukuk Kijang with effect from 25 July 2013. gain accruing on the conveyance of chargeable asset upon conversion of a conventional partnership or private company to a limited liability partnership. In certain transactions such as the following, the disposal price is deemed to be equal to acquisition price: transfer of assets between spouses. gifts made to the Government, State Government, local authority or approved charity. disposal of asset as a result of compulsory acquisition under law. disposal of chargeable asset pursuant to a scheme of financing approved by the Central Bank of Malaysia, Labuan FSA, Malaysian Co-operation Societies Commission or the SC as a scheme which is in accordance with the principles of Syariah. 46 SERVICE TAX SERVICE TAX Basis of taxation Service tax is a consumption tax levied and charged on any taxable service provided by any taxable person. Service tax will be replaced with a single broad based Goods and Services Tax (GST) effective from 1 April 2015. Rate of tax The rate of service tax is 6% ad valorem effective from 1 January 2011 (previously 5%). This tax is levied on all taxable services, except for the provision and issuance of charge or credit card, the service tax is as follows:(i) RM50 per year on the principal card; and (ii) RM25 per year on the supplementary card. The service tax is chargeable on the date of the issuance of the card and every 12 months thereafter or part thereof after the issuance of the card or on the date of the renewal of the card and every 12 months thereafter or part thereof after the renewal of the card. Taxable person/licensing Any taxable person who carries on business of providing taxable service must apply for a licence, and the term “person” includes an individual, a firm, society, association, a company and every other juridical person. No fee is payable for the issuance of a licence. Taxable persons and taxable services A complete list of taxable persons and taxable services can be found in the Second Schedule to the Service Tax Regulations 1975. The following is a summary: Taxable person Operators of hotels with more than 25 rooms (subject to some exclusions) Operators of restaurants, bars, snack-bars, coffee houses or places located in hotels with more than 25 rooms, providing food, drinks and tobacco products wholly eat-in or partly take-away 47 Annual sales turnover (RM) * * SERVICE TAX Taxable person Operators of restaurants, bars, snack-bars, coffee houses or places located outside hotels, providing food, drinks and tobacco products wholly eat-in or partly take-away (subject to some exclusions) Operators of food courts Operators of night-clubs, dance halls and cabarets Operators of approved health-centres and massage parlours Operators of 1st, 2nd or 3rd Class Public House and 1st or 2nd Class Beer House Operators of private clubs Operators of golf course or golf driving range (including operators of private clubs having total annual sales turnover of RM300,000 or less or any hotel having 25 or less rooms) Licensed private hospitals Insurance companies Any person providing communication services who is registered under the Communications And Multimedia Act 1998 or licensed under the Communications and Multimedia (Licensing) Regulations 2000 Any person who is given permission to act as agent for transacting business relating to the import or export of any goods or luggage under section 90 of the Customs Act 1967 Any person who is licensed under section 65 or 65E of the Customs Act 1967 and who is also given permission to act as an agent for transacting business relating to the import or export of any goods or luggage that is stored in the licensed warehouse or inland clearance depot Operators of parking space for motor vehicles Courier-services companies Operators of motor vehicles service and/or repair centres Licensed private agencies Employment agencies Hire-and-drive car and hire-car service companies Advertising companies Public Accountants Advocates and Solicitors 48 Annual sales turnover (RM) 3 million (Effective 1 July 2008) 3 million (Effective 1 July 2008) * * * 300,000 * 300,000 * * * * 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 300,000 300,000 ** ** SERVICE TAX Taxable person Professional Engineers Architects Licensed or Registered Surveyors/Registered Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents Consultants (subject to some exclusions) Management companies Any person who is regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia and provides credit card or charge card services through the issuance of a credit card or a charge card Annual sales turnover (RM) ** ** ** ** ** * * No threshold ** No threshold effective 1 January 2008 Taxable services Taxable services include the provision of rooms for lodging/sleeping accommodation, health services, certain professional services, certain telecommunication services including bandwidth services and certain value added services, management services, security services, provision of parking space, provision of golf course, golf driving range or services related to golf or golf driving range, courier delivery services (other than to destinations outside Malaysia), provision and issuance of charge card or credit card whether or not annual subscription or fee is imposed, the sale or provision of food, drinks and tobacco products and paid broadcasting services. With effect from 1 January 2003, certain professional services provided to companies within the same group would not be taxable subject to certain qualifying criteria. Payment of service tax/taxable period Service tax is due when payment is received for taxable services rendered. If payment is not received within 12 calendar months from the date of issuance of invoice, the tax is due on the day immediately after the expiry of the 12month period. Any service tax that falls due during a taxable period, which is 2 calendar months, is payable to the customs authorities within 28 days after the end of the taxable period. 49 SALES TAX Refund of service tax on doubtful debts or “bad debts” A licensee is eligible for a refund of service tax in relation to debts deemed as “bad debts” or provided as doubtful debts, subject to conditions. This includes debts which cannot be collected after 6 months from the date of payment of tax. SALES TAX Basis of taxation Sales tax is a single-stage tax imposed on certain locally manufactured goods, and on similar goods imported. Labuan, Langkawi, Tioman and Free Zones, do not fall within the ambit of this tax. Sales tax is a consumption tax and under the system, the onus is on the manufacturers to levy, charge and collect the tax from their customers. In the case of imported goods, sales tax is collected from the importer at the time the goods are released from customs control. Sales tax will be replaced with a single broad based Goods and Services Tax (GST) effective from 1 April 2015. Value of goods The valuation of goods for sales tax purposes is based on the World Trade Organsation (WTO) principles of customs valuation. Rates of tax Sales tax is generally an ad valorem tax. Specific rates of sales tax are currently only imposed on certain classes of petroleum (generally, refined petroleum). The ad valorem rates are as follows: Class of goods Fruits, certain foodstuff, timber and building materials Cigarettes and tobacco Liquor and alcoholic drinks All other goods, except petroleum subject to specific rates and goods not specifically exempted Rate % 5 5 5 10 Taxable goods All goods manufactured in Malaysia or imported are taxable unless they are specifically exempted by order of the Minister of Finance. 50 SALES TAX Goods exempted All exports are exempted from sales tax. Goods which are specifically exempted include: - Live animals, fish, seafood and certain essential food items including meat, milk, eggs, vegetables, fruits, bread, etc. - Medical and educational equipment including sports equipment, books, etc. - Photographic equipment and films. - Motorcycles below 201 c.c. capacity, bicycles for adult use including parts and accessories. - Machinery for textile industry, food preparation industry, paper and printing industry, construction industry, metal industry, etc. - Primary commodities including cocoa, rubber and their related products. - Naturally occurring mineral substances, chemicals, etc. - Helicopters, aircraft, ships and other vessels. Licensing No person is permitted to manufacture taxable goods unless the person is duly licensed as a licensed manufacturer. The term “manufacture” in relation to goods other than petroleum, means the conversion by manual or mechanical means of organic or inorganic materials into a new product by changing the size, shape or nature of such materials and includes the assembly of parts into pieces of machinery or other products but does not include the installation of machinery or equipment for the purpose of construction. In relation to petroleum, the term “manufacture” means refining or compounding and includes the addition of foreign substance. Exemption from licensing A manufacturer of taxable goods whose total sales value did not exceed RM100,000 in the preceding year and is not expected to exceed RM100,000 during the next twelve months may apply for a certificate of exemption from licensing. The certificate is renewable on a yearly basis. However, such manufacturer may choose to be licensed in order to enjoy tax-free inputs. In addition, certain manufacturing operations are also exempted from the licensing requirements. They include the developing and printing of photographs and production of film slides, preparation of ready-mixed concrete, repacking of bulk goods, repair of second hand goods and the installation of air conditioners in motor vehicles. 51 IMPORT DUTIES Tax-free raw material In order to maintain the single-stage concept, there are facilities available to allow for inputs (raw materials and components) to be imported or acquired free of sales tax by a licensed manufacturer for use in the manufacturing process. Drawback A licensed manufacturer or importer can claim drawback on the sales tax paid in respect of goods, which are subsequently exported. Payment of sales tax/taxable period Generally, sales tax shall be due at the time the taxable goods are sold, or disposed of otherwise than by sale by the taxable person. Any sales tax that falls due during any taxable period, which is normally 2 calendar months, shall be paid to the customs authorities within 28 days from the expiration of the taxable period. However, in relation to the classes of petroleum that are subject to sales tax, special provisions apply regarding the time when sales tax is due and payable. Refund of sales tax on doubtful debts or “bad debts” A licensee is eligible for a refund of sales tax in relation to debts deemed as “bad debts” or provided as doubtful debts”, subject to conditions. This includes debts which cannot be collected after 6 months from the date of payment of tax. IMPORT DUTIES Rates of duties Import duties are levied on goods that are subject to import duties and imported into the country. Import duties are generally levied on an ad valorem basis but may also be imposed on a specific basis. The ad valorem rates of import duties range from 2% to 60%. Raw materials, machinery, essential foodstuffs and pharmaceutical products are generally non-dutiable or subject to duties at lower rates. 52 IMPORT DUTIES Tariff rate quota Effective 1 April 2008, Malaysia implemented tariff rate quota (TRQ) on selected agricultural products, such as chicken, milk and cream, hen eggs, cabbages. Under TRQ, the tariff charged depends on the volume of imports. Imports within quota (volume) attract duties at a lower tariff rate while a higher tariff rate applies on goods in excess of the quota volume “out-quota tariff rate”. The quota applicable is determined by the relevant agency, e.g. Department of Veterinary Services. Value of goods The value of goods for the purpose of computing import duties is determined largely in accordance with the WTO principles of customs valuation. Exemptions There is a range of duty exemptions on specific goods that prescribed persons are eligible to claim, subject to prescribed conditions under an Order made by the Minister. In addition, manufacturers are eligible to apply for merit-based duty exemptions on: raw materials and components used directly for the manufacture of goods for export and domestic markets. dutiable machinery and equipment which are used directly in the manufacturing process. Approval is subject to Confirmation of Local Availability rule. Manufacturers are required to apply to the relevant authorities for exemption. Prohibition of imports Import restrictions are seldom imposed except on a limited range of products for protection of local industries or for reasons of security and public safety. An import licence has to be obtained for the importation of prohibited goods. 53 GOODS AND SERVICES TAX GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (GST) Effective date and rate of tax GST is to be implemented in Malaysia effective from 1 April 2015 at a rate of 6%. Scope of taxation GST is chargeable on all taxable supplies of goods and services made in the course or furtherance of a business in Malaysia by a taxable person. GST is also charged on the importation of goods and services into Malaysia. Supplies made by the Federal and State Government departments are not within the scope of GST except for some services prescribed by the Minister of Finance. Supplies made by the local authorities and statutory bodies in relation to regulatory and enforcement functions are also not within the scope of GST. Taxable person and registration A taxable person is a person who makes taxable supplies in Malaysia with annual turnover exceeding RM500,000. Such person is required to be registered for GST. Calculation of annual turnover for registration is based on the total value of taxable supplies for a 12 months period. A person who makes taxable supplies below the threshold are not required to register but may register on a voluntary basis. Type of supplies 1. Standard rate supply Standard rated supply means goods and services supplied by businesses that are subject to GST at the rate of 6%. All imported goods and services except those prescribed as zero rated and exempt will be subject to GST at the rate of 6%. 2. Zero-rated supply Zero-rated supply means goods and services supplied by businesses which are subject to a GST tax rate of zero percent. GST paid on their inputs can be claimed as credits. 54 LICENSED MANUFACTURING WAREHOUSE 3. Exempt supply Exempt supply means goods and services supplied by businesses that do not attract GST, but GST paid on their inputs cannot be claimed as credit. Details of the goods and services included under the above categories of supplies can be obtained from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department’s official portal http://gst.customs.gov.my The Government has proposed to broaden the scope of items that will not be subject to GST in order not to burden the rakyat. Among the items that are proposed not to impose GST on or given GST relief are all types of fruits, white bread and wholemeal bread, coffee/tea powder, various types of noodles, the national essential medicine, reading materials, text books, religious books, newspaper, 300 units of electricity and the retail sale of RON95 petrol, diesel and LPG. LICENSED MANUFACTURING WAREHOUSE (LMW) Manufacturers who export 80% or more of their finished products can apply for LMW status. Raw materials, components and machinery used in the manufacturing process are exempted from import duties and sales tax. FREE ZONE A free zone is deemed to be a place outside Malaysia for customs purposes. Subject to certain exclusions, goods and services can be brought into, produced or provided in a free zone without payment of customs duty, excise duty, sales tax or service tax. FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS Malaysia has concluded several regional and bilateral free trade agreements and several more are still under negotiation. One of the key features of free trade agreements is the preferential tariff treatment accorded to member countries. Currently, the following free trade agreements are in force: - ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement 55 EXPORT DUTIES - ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement Preferential Trade Agreement Amongst D-8 Member States Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Malaysia-Japan Economic Partnering Agreement Malaysia-Chile Free Trade Agreement Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement Malaysia-Turkey Free Trade Agreement The preferential tariff treatment and the rules of origin may vary from one free trade agreement to another. EXPORT DUTIES Export duties are generally imposed on the country’s main commodities such as crude petroleum and palm oil for revenue purposes. EXCISE DUTIES Basis of taxation Excise duties are imposed on a selected range of goods manufactured in Malaysia or imported into Malaysia. Goods which are subject to excise duty include beer/stout, cider and perry, rice wine, mead, undenatured ethyl alcohol, brandy, whisky, rum and tafia, gin, cigarettes containing tobacco, motor vehicles, motorcycles, playing cards and mahjong tiles. Rates of duties The rates of excise duties vary from a composite rate of 10 sen per litre and 15% for certain types of spirituous beverages, to as much as 105% for motorcars (depending on engine capacity). Excise licensing Unless exempted from licensing, a manufacturer of tobacco, intoxicating liquor or goods subject to excise duties must have a licence to manufacture such goods. A warehouse licence is required for storage of goods subject to excise duty. 56 STAMP DUTY However, a licence to manufacture tobacco, intoxicating liquor or goods subject to excise duty also permits the holder to store such goods. Payment of duty As a general rule, duty is payable at the time the goods leave the place of manufacture. However, excise duty on a predefined list of motor vehicles for transport of persons is not payable until the vehicles are registered with the Road Transport Department, provided that a security is provided (up to maximum of 4 years from the date of removal from the place of manufacture). Exports No excise duty is payable on dutiable goods that are exported. STAMP DUTY Basis of taxation Stamp duty is chargeable on instruments and not on transactions. If a transaction can be effected without creating an instrument of transfer, no duty is payable. An unstamped or insufficiently stamped instrument is not admissible as evidence in a court of law, nor will it be acted upon by a public officer. With effect from 1 January 2009, payment of stamp duty by way of electronic medium is available for persons who have registered with the Collector. Rates of duty The rates of duty vary according to the nature of the instruments and transacted values. Generally, transfer of properties can give rise to significant stamp duty: Properties (other than shares or marketable securities) On the first Value RM 100,000 On the next 400,000 In excess of 500,000 500,000 Rate RM1 per RM100 or part thereof RM2 per RM100 or part thereof Duty payable RM 1,000 8,000 9,000 RM3 per RM100 or part thereof 57 STAMP DUTY Shares RM3 for every RM1,000 or any fraction thereof based on consideration, or value whichever is greater. The Stamp Office generally adopts one of the 3 methods for valuation of ordinary shares for purposes of stamp duty: - price earnings ratio; - net tangible assets; and - sale consideration. Service Agreements and Loan Agreements Stamp duty of 0.5% on the value of the services/loans. However, stamp duty may be exempted or stamp duty in excess of 0.1% may be remitted for the following instruments: (i) Service agreement (executed on and after 1 January 2011): Stamp duty Ad valorem rate of 0.1% All service agreement (one tier) Multi-tier service agreement (a) Non-government contract (i.e. between private entity and service providers (b) Government contract (i.e. between Federal /State Government of Malaysia or State / local authority and service providers) First level Subsequent level(s) First level Second level Subsequent level(s) Ad valorem rate of 0.1% Up to RM50 Exempted Ad valorem rate of 0.1% Up to RM50 (ii) Loan agreement / loan instrument: Ringgit Malaysia loan agreements generally attract stamp duty at 0.5%. However, a reduced stamp duty liability of 0.1% is available for RM loan agreements or RM loan instrument without security and repayable on demand or in single bullet repayment. Stamping Instruments executed in Malaysia which are chargeable with duty must be stamped within 30 days from the date of execution. When the instruments are executed outside Malaysia, they must be stamped within 30 days after they have first been received in Malaysia. 58 STAMP DUTY Penalty The penalty imposed for late stamping varies based on period of delay. The maximum penalty is RM100 or 20% whichever is higher. Relief/Exemption/Remission from stamp duty Examples of the exemptions, remissions or reliefs of stamp duty available are as follows: Financing instrument Stamp duty exemption on instrument of agreement for a loan or financing in relation to a Micro Credit Scheme (approved by the National Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council) between a borrower and a participant bank of financial institutions executed on or after 1 January 2012. Stamp duty exemption on all loan or financing instruments in relation to the Professional Services Fund for an amount up to RM50,000 between a borrower and Bank Simpanan Nasional executed on or after 1 January 2012 Remission of 50% on loan agreement instrument to finance purchase of only one unit of residential property by a Malaysian citizen at a price not exceeding RM400,000 executed during 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2014 (extended to residential property priced not exceeding RM500,000 executed from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016). Provided the purchaser does not own any other residential property at the date of execution of the sale and purchase agreement. Stamp duty exemption on instrument of loan agreement for the purchase of a residential property priced up to RM300,000 under the PR1MA Scheme executed from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016 Stamp duty exemption on all instruments of an Asset Sale Agreement & Asset Lease Agreement executed between customer and financier made under Syariah law principles for renewing any Islamic revolving financing facility, provided instrument for existing facility is duly stamped (effective 13 September 2003) Stamp duty on any instruments of an Asset Lease Agreement executed between a customer and a financier made under the Syariah principles for rescheduling or restructuring any existing Islamic financing facility is remitted to the extent of the duty that would be payable on the balance of the principal amount of the existing Islamic financing facility, provided instrument for existing Islamic financing facility has been duly stamped (effective 13 September 2003) 59 STAMP DUTY Stamp duty exemption on all instruments relating to the purchase of property by any financier for the purpose of lease back under the principles of Syariah or any instrument by which the financier shall assume the contractual obligations of a customer under a principal sale and purchase agreement (effective 13 September 2003) Instrument of transfer Relief on the transfer of assets between associated companies, where either company owns 90% or more of the other company, or where a third company owns 90% or more of both associated companies (conditions apply). Remission of 50% of stamp duty chargeable on the instrument of transfer of immovable property operating as voluntary disposition between parent and child. Exemption for instruments of transfer of immovable property operating as voluntary disposition between husband and wife. Remission of 50% on instruments of transfer for purchase of only one unit of residential property by a Malaysian citizen at a price not exceeding RM400,000 executed from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2014 (extended to residential property priced not exceeding RM500,000 executed from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016). Provided the purchaser does not own any other residential property at the date of execution of the sale and purchase agreement. Stamp duty exemption on all instruments of transfer of land, business, asset and share in relation to the conversion of a conventional partnership or a private company to be a limited liability partnership (effective 1 January 2013) Scheme of merger, acquisition or amalgamation Relief on the transfer of the undertakings or shares under a scheme of reconstruction or amalgamation of companies (conditions apply). Stamp duty exemption on the following instruments executed for a scheme of merger or acquisition between qualifying Malaysian service providers carried out from 3 July 2012 to 2 July 2015 and approved by the Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation Malaysia: Contracts or agreements for sale or lease of land, building, machinery and equipment Instrument of transfer and memorandum of understanding Loan or financing agreement First tenancy agreement 60 STAMP DUTY Others Stamp duty exemption on specified instruments for the purpose of a securitisation transaction executed on or after 1 January 2001. Stamp duty exemption on all instruments relating to the issue of, offer for subscription or purchase of, or invitation to subscribe for or purchase debentures or Islamic securities approved by the Securities Commission and the transfer of such debentures or Islamic securities (effective 1 July 2000). Stamp duty remission in excess of RM200 is remitted for all instruments of contract notes relating to the sale of any shares, stock or marketable securities: listed on a stock market of an approved stock exchange (effective 17 March 2003); or in companies in Malaysia or elsewhere between a local broker and an authorised nominee on behalf of a foreign broker (effective 1 November 1998). Stamp duty exemption on all instruments executed by a Labuan entity in connection with a Labuan business activity; including Memorandum and Articles of Association and constitutional documents under which a Labuan entity is established and all instruments of transfer of shares in a Labuan entity (effective 11 February 2010). 61 ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND DIRECTIONS ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND DIRECTIONS Economic growth The Malaysian economy to expand by 5.5%- 6% in 2014 and is expected to sustain a positive growth of 5%-6% in 2015 driven by resilient domestic demand, strong private investments and improved global economic conditions. However, overall growth could be affected by a number of factors including the Government’s fiscal consolidation, uneven global economic recovery as well as closure of quantitative easing in the US. Malaysia’s GDP growth Source: Economic Report, 2014/2015 Economic growth by sector The construction sector continues to lead growth at 12.7% on the back of continued implementation of infrastructure projects. Growth in the manufacturing sector escalated to 6.4% supported by resilient domestic demand and recovery in the external sector, while agriculture’s growth of 3.8% was supported by higher palm oil yields. 62 ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND DIRECTIONS GDP growth by sector Economic growth by aggregate demand Private consumption is projected to increase to 6.2% on the back of resilient domestic demand. Whereas, private sector investments will continue to be strong at 12.7% supported by ongoing implementation of Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) and Government development projects. Meanwhile, export momentum to remain sustainable going into 2015 is backed by continued growth in both electrical and electronics (E&E), and non E&E exports. Inflation and interest rate Inflation to reach 3.3% in 2014 and is expected to increase to 4%-5% in 2015 as domestic cost factors increases due to continued subsidy rationalization and GST implementation. There will be a possible hike in interest rate in 2015, with a 0.25% increase in Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) to 3.50% in view of US Federal Reserve monetary tightening measures. 63 ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND DIRECTIONS Consumer price index (CPI) and OPR *For the period of January – August 2014 Source: Economic Report, 2014/2015 Investments Approved investments reached a new record of RM216.5 billion in 2013 (2012: RM167.8 billion). For the Jan-June 2014 period, MIDA approved investments worth RM47.4 billion out of which foreign investments accounted for 58.9% of total approved investments. Approved investments *For the period of January – June 2014 Source: MIDA, Economic Report, 2014/2015 64 FINANCIAL REPORTING FINANCIAL REPORTING The Malaysian Accounting Standards Board (MASB) has been established as the sole authority for issuing accounting standards and other financial reporting pronouncements in Malaysia. All financial statements prepared pursuant to any law administered by the Securities Commission Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Companies Commission of Malaysia have to comply with approved accounting standards issued by the MASB. MASB Approved Accounting Standards for Entities other than Private Entities Entities other than Private Entities shall apply the Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards (MFRS) Framework which is identical to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2012, with the exception of Transitional Entities (TEs). TEs are entities subject to the application of MFRS 141 Agriculture and/or IC Interpretation 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate. TEs shall comply with the MFRS Framework for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017. They may apply the older Malaysian national GAAP (known as Financial Reporting Standards Framework) for annual periods beginning before 1 January 2017. An entity that consolidates or equity accounts the TEs are also granted similar exception. MASB Approved Accounting Standards for Private Entities Private entities shall comply with either: Private Entity Reporting Standards (PERS) in their entirety for financial statements with annual periods beginning before 1 January 2016; or Malaysian Private Entities Reporting Standards (MPERS) in their entirety for financial statements with annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016; or MFRS in their entirety. Private entities are defined as private companies incorporated under the Companies Act 1965 that: (a) are not required to prepare / lodge any financial statements under any law administered by the SC or BNM; and (b) are not a subsidiary / associate of / jointly controlled by an entity which is 65 EMPLOYEES’ PROVIDENT FUND required to prepare / lodge any financial statements under any law administered by the SC or BNM. EMPLOYEES’ PROVIDENT FUND Scope of EPF The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a compulsory savings scheme established to provide a measure of security for old age retirement to its members. Expatriates and foreign workers, who are not Malaysian citizens or permanent residents are not required to contribute to EPF although they may elect to do so. Rates of contributions The statutory rates of contributions are as follows: Malaysian citizens and Expatriates and foreign permanent residents workers (mandatory) % of contribution of employee’s wages (minimum) Employer Employee Employer Employee Till age 60 Income > 12% RM5,000 11% Income ≤ 13% RM5,0002 Age 60 and above, till 75 (From 1 February 2008) Income > 6%1 RM5,000 5.5%1 Income ≤ 6.5%1 2 RM5,000 1 2 RM5 per person 11% RM5 per person 5.5% Exceptions: EPF monthly rate of contributions is maintained at 12% (employer’s share) and 11% (employee’s share) under the following circumstances: i. Employees who have attained the age of 55 years before 1 February 2008 and have not made 55 years withdrawal before 1 February 2008; ii. Employees who have made 55 years withdrawal before 1 February 2008 and have elected to re-contribute to EPF before 1 February 2008. If the employer pays bonus to an employee who receives monthly wages of RM5,000.00 and below and upon receiving the said bonus renders the wages received for that month to exceed RM5,000.00, the calculation of the employer contribution rate shall be calculated at the rate of 13% / 6.5%, and the total contribution which includes cents shall be rounded to the next ringgit. 66 EMPLOYEES’ PROVIDENT FUND Effective 3 January 2010, the 1Malaysia Retirement Saving Scheme was introduced to allow self-employed and individuals without fixed monthly income to contribute voluntarily based on the amount that they can afford. Members’ accounts Effective 1 January 2007, the EPF account is divided into 2 parts: Account I - for retirement purposes at age 55 Account II - for housing, education, medical, Hajj and withdrawal at age 50 % of contributions 70 30 Withdrawals EPF members are entitled to withdraw the full amount of contributions: - upon the death of the member (withdrawal made by beneficiary(ies)); - on attaining the age of 55 years; - if the member is prevented from engaging in any further employment by reasons of physical or mental incapacitation; - on leaving Malaysia permanently (for non-Malaysian or Malaysian citizens who have revoked or renounced their citizenships); Under Account 2, members are entitled to withdraw for: - the purchase or construction of a residential house or for purposes of reducing a housing mortgage on satisfying the prescribed conditions; - on attaining the age of 50 years; - purchase of a second house on condition that the first house is sold; - reduction or settlement of housing loan balance; - for housing loan repayment (withdrawal on a monthly basis) for one house; - setting aside part of savings to enable member to obtain a higher housing loan amount under the flexible housing withdrawal scheme; - further education for self and children’s tertiary education; - medical expenses incurred for the treatment of critical illnesses for themselves and their families; - finance part of the cost of Hajj (up to RM3,000) by eligible Muslim EPF members (effective 1 January 2013) Alternatively, members may choose to withdraw under the “Retirement Periodical Payment Scheme” upon reaching the age of 55 years. Withdrawal payment can be made in part lump sum and part monthly periodical payment or monthly periodical payments for all savings. 67 EMPLOYMENT GUIDELINES Members at any time before reaching 55 years can make the withdrawal from savings exceeding RM1 million, subject to a minimum of RM50,000 at every interval of 3 months. Members who have reached 55 years and have not withdrawn all of their savings, can withdraw the annual dividend of their savings. Effective 1 February 2008, members can invest not more than 20%, (subject to minimum withdrawal of RM1,000 at 3 months interval) of their credit in excess of Basic Savings in Account 1 in approved external funds. The required Basic Saving in Account 1 varies according to age, ranging from a minimum of RM1,000 for members at age 18 to RM120,000 at age 55. EMPLOYMENT GUIDELINES Guidelines for employment of expatriates Approvals for expatriate posts are given by different authorized bodies or agencies depending on the type of core business of the company. The MIDA approves expatriate posts in the following fields: Manufacturing Manufacturing related services – Regional Office, OHQ, IPC, Overseas Mission, etc Hotel and tourism industry Research and Development The guidelines on employment of expatriate personnel issued by MIDA, are as follows: For manufacturing companies with foreign paid up capital of: (a) USD2 million and above: - Automatic approval for up to 10 expatriate posts including 5 key posts, (top management post) for durations of up to 10 years for executive posts and 5 years for non-executive posts. (b) above USD200,000 but less than USD2 million: - Automatic approval for up to 5 expatriate posts including at least 1 key post (top management post), for durations of up to 10 years for executive posts and 5 years for non-executive posts. (c) less than USD200,000: - Consideration is given (based on merits of each case) for key posts where foreign paid-up capital is at least RM500,000. Time/Term 68 EMPLOYMENT GUIDELINES posts can be considered for up to 10 years for executive posts requiring professional qualifications and experience and 5 years for non-executive posts that require technical skills and experience. For Malaysian-owned manufacturing companies: - Approval is given upon request (application), for employment of expatriates for technical posts, including R&D posts. Other approving agencies for expatriate post: Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) - for expatriate posts and skilled workers in IT based companies with MSC status Public Service Department (PSD) – doctors and nurses in government hospitals and clinics; lecturers and tutors in government institutions of higher learning; contract posts in public services and jobs offered by Public Service Commission or related government agencies Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM) – posts in banking, finance and insurance sectors Securities Commission (SC) – employment in Security and Share market Expatriate Committee (EC) – employment in sectors other than the above The employment of Malaysian nationals at all levels should, wherever possible, reflect the multi-racial composition of the country. The following minimum paid-up share capital requirement must be fulfilled before an application of expatriate position can be processed by the EC: 100% Malaysian owned company Malaysian and Foreign owned company 100% Foreign owned company RM 250,000 350,000* 500,000 * If the applied post is a key post, foreign capital in the company must be at least RM500,000. Minimum salary of the expatriate employee is RM5,000 per month. Employment of foreign workers Employment of foreign workers is subject to conditions which are determined from time to time and will be considered after failing to find qualified local or permanent residents. Employment of foreign workers are allowed in the manufacturing, construction, plantation, agricultural, domestic help sectors and 3 services sub sectors i.e. restaurants, cleaning and sanitation, resort island. 69 EMPLOYEES’ SOCIAL SECURITY FUND Nationals from the following countries are allowed to work in the specified sectors: Nationals of Indonesia (female only), Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines (male only), Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan Indonesia (male only) Approved Sector Manufacturing, construction, plantation, agricultural and services sectors Same as above excluding manufacturing Services (restaurant only); Construction (fixing of high voltage cable only); Agriculture; and Plantation India An annual levy is imposed on employers of foreign workers. The rate of levy varies according to the category of worker. The One Stop Centre in the Ministry of Home Affairs handles applications for foreign workers except for application for domestic helpers which are processed by the Immigration Department. EMPLOYEES’ SOCIAL SECURITY FUND Scope of SOCSO The Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) administers the following schemes: Employment Injury Insurance Scheme; Invalidity Pension Schemes. These schemes are aimed at providing cash and medical benefits to employees in case of temporary or permanent disablement/invalidity, death and employment injury, including occupational diseases. All employees with monthly wages of RM3,000 or less are covered by the schemes. Any employee falling within the schemes will continue to remain within the schemes notwithstanding that his or her monthly wages may subsequently exceed the threshold of RM3,000. Rates of contributions The rates of contributions are as follows: The first category (Employment Injury Insurance Scheme and Invalidity 70 EMPLOYEES’ SOCIAL SECURITY FUND Pension Scheme) of contribution is by both the employer and employee, restricted to a maximum of RM51.65 and RM14.75 respectively. Applicable to employees below age of 60 years effective 1 January 2013. The second category (Employment Injury Insurance Scheme only) of contribution is solely by the employer for an employee who is not eligible for coverage under the Invalidity Pension Scheme, restricted to a maximum of RM36.90. Applicable to employees aged 60 years and above effective 1 January 2013. Employees who earn more than RM3,000 and who have never registered nor contributed may choose to register and contribute, provided that both employer and employee are agreeable. With effect 1 January 2013, the age limit for first time employees contributing under the Invalidity Scheme has been changed from before reaching the age of 50 to before reaching the age of 55 and will no longer be eligible when an employee reaches the age of 60. The qualifying/eligible age of for Invalidity Scheme has been amended as follows: 1. When an employee first contributed under the First Category and have yet to reach the age of 55 when the Act was gazetted, he shall continue to contribute under the First Category. Upon reaching the age of 60 he shall contribute under Second Category. 2. When an employee first contributed under the First Category and continued to contribute under Second Category upon reaching the age of 55 but have yet reach the age of 60 when the Act was gazetted, he shall contribute under First Category. Upon reaching the age of 60 he shall contribute under Second Category. 3. When the employee first contributed under Second Category and have yet to reach the age of 55 when the act was gazetted, he shall contribute under First Category. Upon reaching the age of 60 shall contribute under Second Category. 4. When the employee first contributed under Second Category and have reached the age of 55 when the Act was gazetted, he shall continue to contribute under the Second Category. When the employee first join the company at the age of 55 when the act is gazetted and has not contributed under any Category, he shall contribute under Second Category. 5. 71 HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT FUND HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT FUND (HRDF) Scope of HRDF The HRDF is aimed at helping the manufacturing, services and transportation sectors to develop the technical skills of their employees through involvement in training schemes. Effective 1 June 2014 there is an expansion of the scope of coverage of the HRDF to 19 new subsectors, which are 2 subsectors in mining and quarrying sector and 17 in the service sector. Employers engaged in the following activities must register and contribute to the HRDF: Type of activity Manufacturing Manufacturing with a paid-up capital of RM2.5 million or more Manufacturing with a paid-up capital of less than RM2.5 million Mining and quarrying (petroleum and gas extraction; mineral and stone quarrying) Mining and quarrying (petroleum and gas extraction; mineral and stone quarrying) with a paid-up capital of RM2.5 million or more Mining and quarrying (petroleum and gas extraction; mineral and stone quarrying) with a paid-up capital of less than RM2.5 million Service sector (hotel industry; air transport services; tour operators and travel agencies; telecommunications; freight forwarders; shipping; postal/courier services; advertising; computer services; energy; training; higher education; direct selling; port services; engineering support and maintenance services; research & development; warehousing services; security services; private hospital services; gas, steam and air-conditioning supply; water treatment and supply; sewerage; waste management and material recovery services; production of motion picture, video and television programme, sound recording and music publishing; information service; tourism enterprise; building and landscape services; event management; early childhood education; 72 No. of employees 50 or more 10 to 49 10 to 49* 50 or more 10 to 49 10 to 49* 10 or more HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT FUND Type of activity No. of employees health support services, franchise; sale and repair of motor vehicles; private broadcasting services; driving school; and veterinary services) 30 or more Service sector (food and beverage services) 50 or more Service sector (hypermarket, supermarket and departmental store services) * Such employers have the option to contribute to the HRDF at the rate of 0.5% of the employees’ monthly wages. The 19 new subsector employers, who register within the Special Period from 1 June 2014 until 30 November 2014, will be entitled to exemption from the payment of levy and interest until 30 November 2014; and other incentives or benefits provided by HRDF for registered employers. Rates of contribution 1% of employees’ monthly wages on a monthly basis for all employers except for small employers under manufacturing sector, mining and quarrying sector. 0.5% rate for small employers under the manufacturing sector, mining and quarrying sector. Financial assistance An employer who has paid the levy upon registration is eligible to receive financial assistance at rates ranging from 50% to 100% of the allowable costs incurred for the purpose of training employees under various training schemes including the following: - SBL (Skim Bantuan Latihan) and Special SBL Scheme; PROLUS (Program Latihan yang Diluluskan); PLT (Pelan Latihan Tahunan); PERLA (Perjanjian Latihan Dengan Penyelia Latihan); Computer-based training Scheme (Software Development); Apprenticeship Training Schemes; Joint Training Scheme; Information Technology and Computer-Aided Training; Purchase of Training Equipment and Setting Up of Training Room Scheme; English Language Programs for workers under the HRDF; 73 FOREIGN AND BUMIPUTRA EQUITY PARTICIPATION - SME On-The-Job Training; SME Training Partners Scheme (SMETAP); Accreditation of Prior Achievement scheme (APA). FOREIGN AND BUMIPUTRA EQUITY PARTICIPATION The foreign equity participation rules in Malaysia have been gradually liberalised through the years. Examples of industry sectors liberalised are as follows:- Manufacturing - Equity holdings were fully liberalised from 17 June 2003 whereby 100% foreign participation is allowed. However, any equity and export conditions imposed prior to 17 June 2003 continue to apply. Request for removal of these conditions may be made depending on the merits of each case. Financial services - The limit on foreign equity ownership of investment banks, Islamic banks, insurance companies and takaful operators was raised from 49% to 70% in 2009. From 9 June 2014, 100% foreign equity ownership is allowed for unit trust management companies and new foreign unit trust management companies may also enter Malaysia. For credit rating agencies, equity shareholdings will be liberalised from 1 January 2017. Fully foreign owned international credit rating agencies may also enter Malaysia from that date. Services - the liberalisation of several services sub-sectors was announced over the course of the last 5 years allowing for 100% foreign participation. In addition, the Foreign Investment Committee no longer imposes the requirement of at least 30% Bumiputra equity following the repeal of the revised Guidelines for the Acquisition of Interest, Mergers and Takeovers by Local and Foreign Interests on 30 June 2009. Regulators in strategic sectors such as water, telecommunications, ports and energy will however continue to impose Bumiputra equity conditions as seen fit, in light of national interest. EXCHANGE CONTROL Seven notices were issued under the Financial Services Act 2013 (FSA) and the Islamic Financial Services Act 2013 (IFSA) to set out the rules for exchange control in Malaysia. 74 EXCHANGE CONTROL Some of the more common transactions dealt with under the notices are as follows: Remittances abroad A resident is freely permitted to: Make payment in Ringgit* to non-residents for - settlement of a Ringgit asset including any income and profit due from the Ringgit asset; - settlement of domestic and international trade in goods and services; - income earned or expense incurred in Malaysia; - settlement of a commodity murabahah transaction between a resident and non-resident participant undertaken through a resident commodity trading service provider; - settlement of reinsurance for domestic insurance business or retakaful for domestic takaful business between a resident and a person licensed to undertake Labuan insurance or takaful business; - settlement of a Ringgit denominated non-financial guarantee issued by a person licensed to undertake Labuan banking business in favour of a resident; or - any purpose between immediate family members. * Payment in Ringgit must be made into an external account of the nonresident or an external account of a non-resident financial institution Make payment in foreign currency to non-residents for any purpose (other than derivatives), including settlement of import of goods and services and payment to non-resident immediate family members (for any purpose); Buy or sell foreign currency against another foreign currency with licensed onshore banks for any purpose. Buy or sell Ringgit against foreign currency with a licensed onshore bank (other than an international Islamic bank) on spot or forward basis for current account transactions or financial account transactions based on firm commitment or anticipatory basis. Make payment in foreign currency to resident company for settlement of domestic trade in goods and services provided the foreign currency funds are sourced from the resident payer’s (with export earnings) foreign currency accounts. 75 EXCHANGE CONTROL Investment in foreign currency assets by a resident A resident (entity, individual, sole proprietor or general partnership) without domestic Ringgit credit facilities is free to invest any amount abroad. A resident entity with domestic Ringgit facilities may invest any amount abroad from conversion of Ringgit up to RM50 million per annum (RM50 million is determined based on aggregate borrowing of entities within its group of entities or direct shareholder**). A resident individual, sole proprietor or general partnership with domestic Ringgit facilities may invest any amount abroad from conversion of Ringgit up to RM1 million per annum. **’Direct shareholder’ means a shareholder with at least 10% shareholding in a resident entity. Purchase of immoveable properties by non-residents Non-residents may borrow domestically for financing properties used for productive (real) activities such as manufacturing in Malaysia. Non-residents are permitted to borrow any amount of Ringgit credit facilities from residents to finance the purchase or construction of any residential or commercial property in Malaysia (excluding financing for purchase of land only). Borrowings in foreign currency by a resident A resident entity is free to: borrow any amount in foreign currency from licensed onshore banks or from its resident or non-resident entities within its group of entities or direct shareholder or through issuance of foreign currency debt securities to another resident. However, where a non-resident special purpose vehicle is set up solely to obtain borrowings from any person which is not part of the resident entity’s group of entities, the prevailing aggregate limit of RM100 million equivalent continues to apply. obtain up to RM100 million equivalent in aggregate from other nonresidents or a non-resident financial institution for other financing activities. A resident individual, sole proprietor or general partnership is free to borrow up to RM10 million equivalent in aggregate from a licensed onshore bank or a non-resident. Notwithstanding this, any amount of foreign currency may be borrowed from an individual’s immediate family member. 76 EXCHANGE CONTROL A resident is free to refinance outstanding approved borrowing in foreign currency (including principal and accrued interest). Borrowings in Ringgit by a resident A resident entity is allowed to borrow in Ringgit, including through the issuance of tradable Ringgit private debt securities or Islamic private debt securities:- from its non-resident entity within its group of entities or direct shareholder to finance activities in the real sector (defined) in Malaysia; or - up to RM1 million in aggregate from other non-residents for use in Malaysia. However where a non-resident special purpose vehicle is set up solely to obtain borrowings from any person which is not part of the resident entity’s group of entities or direct shareholder, the prevailing aggregate limit of RM1 million on Ringgit borrowings from non-residents continue to apply. A resident individual, sole proprietor or general partnership is allowed to borrow in Ringgit up to RM1 million in aggregate from any non-resident other than a non-resident financial institution for use in Malaysia. Notwithstanding this, Ringgit may be borrowed from an individual’s non-resident immediate family member or an individual’s non-resident employer in Malaysia (subject to employment terms). Ringgit borrowings obtained by residents are allowed to be converted (i.e. swapped) to foreign currency debt obligation with a licensed onshore bank (other than a licensed international Islamic bank), provided that the rules on foreign currency borrowings obtained by residents are complied with. Foreign currency accounts In general, a resident is allowed to open foreign currency accounts with licensed onshore banks or non-resident financial institutions. A resident individual is allowed to maintain for any purpose, individual or joint foreign currency accounts with another resident individual and also with a non-resident individual who is an immediate family member. Non-resident’s accounts A non-resident may open and maintain an external account with any financial institution in Malaysia. There is no restriction on the amount of Ringgit funds to be retained in the external account. Funds in the external account may be used for the payment to a resident for 77 EXCHANGE CONTROL own account for transactions such as: - purchase of Ringgit assets or payment for goods and services in Malaysia; - converting Ringgit into foreign currency with a licensed onshore bank for repatriation abroad. Import and export of currency A resident and non-resident traveller is free to import or export Ringgit notes up to USD10,000. Dealing with Israel and the currency of Israel A resident or a non-resident in Malaysia is not allowed to undertake or engage in any dealing or transaction with Israel or any dealing or transaction involving the currency of Israel without Bank Negara Malaysia’s approval. Exports from Malaysia Resident exporters are required to submit quarterly reports on their export related transactions if the gross export proceeds exceed RM50 million per year. Issuance of securities Residents are permitted to issue any securities provided that the issuance of debt securities to non-residents are subject to the prevailing rules on borrowing from non-residents. Non-residents are permitted to issue foreign currency securities in Malaysia. Labuan entities Effective from 30 June 2013, all Labuan entities are automatically declared as non-residents for foreign exchange control purposes. All foreign exchange rules applicable to a non-resident will apply to a Labuan entity. Special status companies Special status companies, for example, approved operational headquarters, treasury management companies, MSC Malaysia companies are granted additional flexibilities. Please refer to Bank Negara Malaysia’s website at www.bnm.gov.my for more information on exchange control matters. 78 IMPORTANT FILING/FURNISHING DATES IMPORTANT FILING/FURNISHING DATES Type of return Form Income tax All taxpayers Notification of change of CP600B address Individual (without business income)* Notification of No chargeability of an prescribed individual who first arrives form in Malaysia Submission of income tax return* - Resident BE/BT** - Non-resident M/MT** Due date Within 3 months of change Within 2 months of date of arrival By 30 April in the year following that YA * W.e.f YA 2014, tax returns are not required to be filed for specific groups of employees where requirements are met. MTD will be final tax. Individual (with business income) Submission of income tax return - Resident B/BT** - Non-resident M/MT** By 30 June in the year following that YA ** Forms for knowledge workers (Refer to Personal Income Tax section) Company Submission of estimate of tax payable Submission of revised estimate of tax payable Submission of income tax return (must be prepared based on audited accounts w.e.f YA 2014) Furnishing of particulars of payment made to agent, dealer & distributor Deceased Person’s Estate/ Body of Persons CP 204 CP 204A C 30 days before the beginning of the basis period In the sixth or/and ninth month of the basis period Within 7 months from the date following the close of its accounting period CP58 By 31 March of the following year TP/TF/TJ By 30 April (without business income) or 30 June (with business income) in the year following that YA 79 IMPORTANT FILING/FURNISHING DATES Type of return Form Due date Partnership P Limited Liability Partnership PT Co-operative society Trust Body Unit Trust Business Trust Real Estate Investment Trust/ Property Trust Fund Employer Return of remuneration by an employer Statement of remuneration of employee Notification of employee’s commencement of employment Notification of employee’s cessation of employment (in certain prescribed cases) Notification of employee leaving Malaysia for more than 3 months Statement of tax deduction by employer under Monthly Tax Deduction Scheme Withholding tax Interest or royalty to nonresidents C1 TA TC TN TR By 30 June in the year following that YA Within 7 months from the date following the close of its accounting period Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Contract payments to nonresident contractors Technical and management service fees, rental of moveable properties, etc. to non-residents CP 37A Within one month of paying or crediting the non-resident, whichever is earlier Same as above CP 37D Same as above E EA CP 22 CP 22A CP 21 CP 39 CP 37 80 By 31 March of the following year By last day of February of the following year Within one month of commencement of employment Not less than one month before cessation Not less than one month before expected date of departure Within 10 days after month end IMPORTANT FILING/FURNISHING DATES Type of return Form Due date Technical and management services fees, rental of moveable properties, etc. to non-residents carrying out activities in the Joint Development Area Real Estate Investment Trust income exempted at the Trust level distributed to unit holders (other than resident companies) Family fund, family re-Takaful fund or general fund income distributed to participants Payments to a non-resident person in relation to any gains or profits falling under Section 4(f) Withdrawal of contribution from a private retirement scheme fund Real property gains tax Return of disposal of real property / shares in real property company CP 37D (1) Same as above 37E Within one month of distributing income to the unit holders 37E(T) Within one month of distributing income to the participants Within one month of paying or crediting the non-resident, whichever is earlier Within one month of paying the amount CKHT 1A/1B & CKHT 3 (if applicable) Return of acquisition of real property / shares in real property company CKHT 2A & CKHT 502 (if applicable) Sales tax Submission of tax return CJP 1 Within 28 days after end of each taxable period Service tax Submission of tax return CJP 1 Within 28 days after end of each taxable period 37F 37G Within 60 days after disposal of real property / shares in real property company Within 60 days after acquisition of real property / shares in real property company Goods and services tax (GST) GST registration (refer to page 55 on requirement for a person to register) Existing business GST-01 31 December 2014 New business (annual GST-01 28 days from the end of turnover exceeds or the month the annual expected to exceed the turnover exceeded or is 81 IMPORTANT FILING/FURNISHING DATES Type of return threshold after 1 April 2015) GST return Form GST-03 Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Submission of remittance form 8A Employees’ Provident Fund Schedule of Monthly contributions together with cheque EPF 6 (Form A) 82 Due date expected to exceed the threshold Last day of the month following the end of the taxable period OR 30 days from the end of the taxable period (where taxable period is varied) Not later than last day of the following month Within 15 days after month end for each month PwC in Malaysia Telephone/Telecopier Mail Address Tax Contacts Kuala Lumpur Level 10, 1 Sentral Jalan Travers Kuala Lumpur Sentral 50470 Kuala Lumpur Telephone: [60] (3) 2173 1188 Telecopier: [60] (3) 2173 1288 PO Box 10192 50706 Kuala Lumpur Jagdev Singh Telephone: [60] (3) 2173 1188 Pulau Pinang 16th Floor, Bangunan KWSP Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah 10050 Pulau Pinang Telephone: [60] (4) 238 9188 Telecopier: [60] (4) 238 9288 PO Box 856 10810 Pulau Pinang Tony Chua Telephone: [60] (4) 238 9188 Ipoh Standard Chartered Bank Chambers 1st Floor, 21-27 Jalan Dato’ Maharaja Lela 30000 Ipoh Perak Darul Ridzuan Telephone: [60] (5) 254 9545 Telecopier: [60] (5) 253 2366 PO Box 136 30710 Ipoh Perak Tony Chua Telephone: [60] (4) 238 9188 Melaka Level 15-1, Tower B Jaya 99 99, Jalan Tun Sri Lanang 75100 Melaka Telephone: [60] (6) 283 6169 Telecopier: [60] (6) 284 4368 PO Box 140 75720 Melaka Teh Wee Hong Telephone: [60] (3) 2173 1188 Au Yong Telephone: [60] (6) 283 6169 Johor Bahru Menara Ansar Level 16, Jalan Trus 80000 Johor Bahru Johor Darul Takzim Telephone: [60] (7) 222 4448 Telecopier: [60] (7) 224 8088 PO Box 296 80730 Johor Bahru Johor Benedict Francis Telephone: [60] (7) 222 4448 Labuan Level 13F, Main Office Tower Financial Park Labuan Jalan Merdeka 87000 Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan Telephone: [60] (87) 42 2088 [60] (87) 42 1618 Telecopier: [60] (87) 42 2198 Level 13F, Main Office Tower Financial Park Labuan Jalan Merdeka 87000 Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan Jennifer Chang Telephone: [60] (3) 2173 1188 Visit our website at http://www.pwc.com/my pwc.com/my PwC Malaysia on AppStore youtube.com/pwcmalaysia twitter.com/PwC_Malaysia facebook.com/pwcmsia linkedin.com/company/pwc-malaysia instagram.com/pwc_malaysia www.pwc.com/my © 2014 PricewaterhouseCoopers. All rights reserved. “PricewaterhouseCoopers” and/or “PwC” refers to the individual members of the PricewaterhouseCoopers organisation in Malaysia, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/ structure for further details. CS07196